Bianchi L10 Premium Malbec

Dry, dark and generous. This is a medium- to full-bodied Malbec with ripe fruit and a smooth texture. The nose shows ripe plum, cherry and violets, with a mineral note. The palate brings dark fruit, chocolate and a touch of spice. Light French oak adds vanilla. The tannins are soft and the acidity balanced, and the finish is persistent.

L10 is made by Bodegas Bianchi, a family winery founded in San Rafael, Mendoza, by Italian immigrant Valentín Bianchi, in collaboration with Lionel Messi’s charitable foundation, which supports health and education programs for children. Hand-harvested Malbec comes from the family’s high-elevation San Rafael estates, including Finca Doña Elsa, on poor alluvial, sandy-calcareous soils, along with other Mendoza sites. A portion of the wine is aged in French oak. It is bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750 mL bottle.

Drink over the next few years. Serve just below room temperature with grilled steak, roasts or hard cheeses.