A tasting of Luigi Bosca's fine malbecs

For over four generations, the Arizu family has stood at the forefront of premium Argentine winemaking, driven by an unwavering commitment to Malbec. Their remarkable journey began in 1890, when the first-generation patriarch, Leoncio Arizu, a visionary immigrant from the Basque Country—arrived in Mendoza. Struck by the beautiful landscape of Luján de Cuyo, he began planting European vines, laying the foundation for what would become Bodega Luigi Bosca in 1901.

At the time, Malbec—then locally known as the “French variety”—produced wines that were sweet and fortified, more akin to Port than the structured, expressive style we know today. The transformation of Malbec into Argentina’s flagship varietal was made possible by the Arizu family’s vision and perseverance.

Over four generations, they have pursued the purest expression of Malbec, guided by Mendoza’s exceptional natural elements: a continental climate with abundant sun and low humidity (ideal for organic viticulture), mineral-rich soils shaped by ancient riverbeds, and the high-altitude conditions of the Andes, which lend grapes their natural acidity and wines their signature elegance. The result? Wines of remarkable depth, concentration, and finesse.

Among Familia Arizu’s many contributions to Argentine wine, two milestones stand out. First, the establishment of Argentina’s first appellation of origin, D.O.C. Malbec, in 1989—an initiative led by Alberto Arizu. Modeled after European appellations, this project aimed to preserve typicity, elevate quality, and honor geographic authenticity, formally recognizing Luján de Cuyo as the center place of Argentina’s most iconic varietal. Second, the creation of Wines of Argentina in 1993, a national trade organization that united the country’s top wineries to promote Malbec and other Argentine wines globally. Alberto Arizu also presided over the organization twice, further strengthening Argentina’s global wine presence.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Pablo Cúneo, the talented winemaker currently overseeing all wines at Bodega Luigi Bosca. Pablo began his career in the world of sparkling wines with Moët Hennessy in Argentina before turning to Malbec at Bodegas Ruca Malen, ultimately taking on his prestigious role at Luigi Bosca.

During our conversation, Pablo spoke with deep passion about Mendoza’s unparalleled natural conditions—high altitude, dry climate, and abundant sunshine—all crucial to Malbec’s optimal ripening and expressive character. He reflected on the evolution of Argentine wine, noting how Malbec has taken an “ascendant to the stars” trajectory since the late 1980s. Of course, wine has been made in Argentina for much longer, but it was only in recent decades that Malbec truly came into its own—emerging not just as the country’s signature grape, but also as a powerful ambassador of its viticulture on the world stage.

Historically, Mendoza wines were simple table wines, consumed domestically. But the economic challenges Argentina faced pushed producers to look outward, toward export markets. To succeed globally, they needed more than a unique grape—they needed innovation and quality. And that’s exactly what the Arizu family delivered.

Each generation has played a part in shaping a legacy of excellence—focused on terroir-driven wines that showcase abundant fruit, velvety textures, ripe tannins, and the spice that has made Malbec beloved around the globe. Today, the family continues to innovate by producing single-plot wines and leveraging the altitude of the Andes—a natural defense against global warming.

While Luigi Bosca also produces excellent Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons (tasted but not included here), the following three Malbecs stand out as exceptional examples of their craft. I hope you’ll give them a try—and let me know what you think!

Luigi Bosca Malbec 2022 – $20
Rich yet soft and mellow, this medium-bodied red showcases ripe strawberry and cherry notes, complemented by delicate floral hints of violet. Crafted from grapes grown in Luján de Cuyo, it is aged for 12 months in second-use French oak, which adds subtle spice and personality.

Luigi Bosca De Sangre Malbec DOC 2022 – $35
This line, introduced in 2021, honors a family tradition: setting aside the best wines for special celebrations. “De Sangre” (from blood) is a tribute to the blood ties that bind generations of the Arizu family. 
Made with fruit sourced from select plots from Fincas Las Compuertas, Vistalba, and Agrelo, this Malbec is made under the prestigious DOC Malbec appellation. It bursts with cherry and plum notes, layered with lanolin and balsamic aromas—hallmarks of the varietal. Smooth tannins and vibrant acidity give it elegance, while its meaty structure, explosive fruit, and long, spicy finish show Malbec at its finest.

Luigi Bosca Los Nobles Vistalba Malbec 2021 – $70
Crafted from old vines averaging 90 years in age, Finca Los Nobles Vistalba Malbec is a distinctive field blend of 94% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot. Aged for 16 months in French oak, it opens with juicy blackberry and ripe plum at its core, unfolding into layered notes of coffee, chocolate, and vanilla. On the palate, sweet, silky tannins provide structure and depth, leading to a bold, complex finish. With the potential to age for up to 30 years, this is a true powerbomb of flavor and finesse. 

Cheers! Silvina

#thoughtsoflawina #luigibosca #malbec #argentina #drinkupamerica

Château Haut-Brion: A Timeless Bordeaux Icon

From the days of ancient Roman settlers to the era of Enlightenment thinkers, from Samuel Pepys to Thomas Jefferson and John Locke, Château Haut-Brion has inspired admiration across centuries. Its wines are celebrated not only for their exceptional quality but also as profound expressions of terroir, craftsmanship, and time.

Nestled within the prestigious Pessac-Léognan appellation in Bordeaux’s historic Graves region, Haut-Brion is among the most legendary names in fine wine. Though its documented history dates back over 500 years, the estate’s roots reach even further—into gravel-rich soils prized by Roman settlers more than two millennia ago. These quartz-laden “graves” have long sustained the vines that define the estate’s reputation for excellence.

While many of Bordeaux’s top estates are located in the Médoc, Haut-Brion holds a singular distinction: it is the only château outside the Médoc included as a Premier Grand Cru Classé in the historic 1855 Classification. But also recognized in the Graves Classification of 1959, the only estate with both prestigious rankings.

Haut-Brion’s uniqueness extends beyond its accolades. The estate occupies a 51-hectare vineyard—48 hectares planted to red grape varieties including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, and 3 hectares dedicated to white grapes, including Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sauvignon Gris.

The vineyard’s defining feature is its deep gravel layers over a complex mosaic of clay, limestone, and sand—shaped over geological time. Combined with excellent drainage and sun exposure, this terroir is critical to producing wines of structure, elegance, and longevity.

At Haut-Brion, viticulture is guided by a philosophy of harmony—balancing nature and precision. The estate practices sustainable farming, avoids insecticides, and promotes biodiversity. A 4-hectare wooded zone, including a landscaped park, provides habitat for over 40 bird species, many of which are protected. These natural ecosystems contribute not only to beauty but to a healthy microclimate vital to the vineyards.

Harvesting is done entirely by hand, with each grape cluster meticulously picked and sorted to ensure only the finest fruit moves forward. Grapes are delicately destemmed, and fermentation is carried out with rigorous temperature control, allowing each vineyard parcel to reveal its unique aromatic and structural character. Within two weeks, the transformation begins—layers of color, complexity, and personality emerge.

Blending at Haut-Brion is not merely technical—it is an art form refined over generations. Typically finalized early, the blend enables the estate to present a complete and expressive wine during Bordeaux’s annual en primeur tastings. This intuitive process combines deep knowledge of the terroir with an understanding of vintage variation and aging trajectory.

Once blended, the wine is matured in carefully selected French oak barrels for 18 to 20 months. The proportion of new oak is precisely adjusted to match the character of the vintage, enhancing the wine’s texture without overwhelming its expression. Racking is done via à l’esquive, a traditional method using gravity and candlelight, gently clarifying the wine while preserving its finesse.

The winery produces three wines:

Château Haut-Brion Red
The estate’s iconic red wine is revered for its aromatic depth, structural finesse, and aging potential. Dominated by Merlot and supported by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it offers notes of blackcurrant, graphite, tobacco, and earth, with silky tannins and a long, graceful finish.

Château Haut-Brion Blanc
One of Bordeaux’s most rare and sought-after whites, this blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc delivers a rich, textured palate with flavors of citrus, beeswax, and honey. Powerful yet fresh, it rivals the estate’s reds in complexity and age-worthiness.

Le Clarence de Haut-Brion
Named in tribute to Clarence Dillon (the great grandfather of the current Haut-Brion's CEO and Chairman, Prince Robert of Luxembourg). This second wine offers accessibility with depth. Reflecting the estate’s signature elegance, it’s an excellent entry point into the Haut-Brion's experience.

Château Haut-Brion is more than a celebrated name—it is a living symbol of Bordeaux’s heritage and vision. With ancient soils, forward-thinking leadership, and a legacy built on integrity and innovation, Haut-Brion continues to define greatness in wine.

My Wine Recommendations:
During my visit to Bordeaux last May, I had the privilege of tasting both Château Haut-Brion 2017 at $425 (per bottle) and Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2017 at $450 (per bottle) —each a brilliant expression of its terroir and vintage.

Cheers! Silvina

#thoughtsoflawina #Bordeaux1stgrowth #Bordeaux #hautbrion 

An intro to Bordeaux

Bordeaux wines are renowned as some of the finest in the world. However, the most prestigious bottles—known as Grand Cru—have become so expensive that they’re now out of reach for most people. These top-tier wines, often priced at over $1,000 a bottle, are typically reserved for the wealthy and famous.

But here’s the good news: Bordeaux offers far more than just its elite First Growths and Grand Cru labels, which actually make up only about 1% of the region’s total wine production. There’s tremendous value to be found across the rest of Bordeaux.

One of the region’s greatest strengths is its diversity. Bordeaux produces an impressive range of styles—from exceptional red wines to crisp dry whites, luscious sweet whites, refreshing rosés, and even sparkling Crémants. There truly is something for every taste and budget.

The map below clearly shows Bordeaux’s location at 45º latitude in southwest France, along with its various appellations and the styles of wine they produce. The CIVB (Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux) uses red dots to indicate red wine appellations, yellow for dry whites, and orange for sweet wines.

Traditionally, Bordeaux’s red AOPs (Appellations d’Origine Protégée) have been grouped into two main categories:

1. Left Bank – Located on the left side of the Gironde estuary, this area is known for Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant blends. Key appellations include Médoc, St. Estèphe, Pauillac, Listrac, Margaux, Pessac-Léognan, Graves, and Premières Côtes de Bordeaux.
   
   

2. Right Bank – Situated on the opposite side of the river, these appellations favor Merlot-driven wines. Notable regions include Pomerol, Lalande-de-Pomerol, St. Émilion, Côtes de Blaye, Fronsac, Canon-Fronsac, and Côtes de Castillon.

The distinction between Bordeaux’s Left and Right Banks is largely rooted in soil composition. The Left Bank is characterized by gravelly soils, which are warm and well-draining—ideal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. In contrast, the Right Bank features predominantly clay and limestone soils, which retain more moisture and remain cooler, favoring the earlier-ripening Merlot grape.

Bordeaux’s maritime climate, moderated by the Atlantic Ocean, also plays a critical role in viticulture. The region experiences long summers and significant rainfall, which can pose challenges such as mildew and fruit rot. Historically, vintage variation in Bordeaux was significant due to inconsistent ripening. However, climate change has reduced this variability. Warmer vintages now consistently achieve full ripeness, resulting in rounder, fuller-bodied wines, while cooler years tend to produce wines with more structure and herbal nuances.

    

Picture of the Garonne River above.

Because each grape variety has different ripening needs—Cabernet Sauvignon, for instance, requires more heat and ripens up to three weeks later than Merlot—Bordeaux winemakers must adapt their approach accordingly. This disparity is one reason why blending is central to Bordeaux winemaking. By combining varieties, producers craft wines that are more balanced, complex, and expressive than any single grape could deliver on its own.

Bordeaux permits six classic red grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (the most widely planted), Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carménère, and Cabernet Franc. In addition to its acclaimed reds, Bordeaux also produces notable white wines, primarily dry styles crafted from Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, and Sémillon, especially in the Entre-Deux-Mers area, though other key white wine regions are indicated on the map above.

Bordeaux is also renowned for its sweet dessert wines, made from the same white grape varieties. These wines are primarily produced in appellations located south of the Left Bank, including Barsac, Loupiac, Monbazillac,Cerons, and the prestigious Sauternes. These sweet wines are crafted from grapes affected by Noble Rot (Botrytis cinerea), which concentrates the sugars and flavors.

As France’s largest AOP wine region, Bordeaux spans approximately 111,000 hectares and produces around 5 million hectolitres of wine annually. The region includes 65 AOPs and is home to more than 6,000 producers, comprising estates, cooperatives, and négociants (merchants). While 56% of Bordeaux wines are consumed domestically, the remaining 44% are exported, with major markets including China, Hong Kong, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

At the entry level, Bordeaux AOP wines—typically Merlot-based and sourced from across the region—offer approachable and affordable options. A step up in quality, Bordeaux Supérieur wines are produced under stricter regulations, including lower yields, resulting in greater concentration and complexity.

District-specific AOPs such as Médoc or Haut-Médoc generally indicate further improvements in quality. Within these, commune-level appellations like Pauillac, St. Estèphe, Margaux, and St. Julien are considered among the most prestigious. Unlike Burgundy, where vineyard location dictates classification, Bordeaux’s reputation centers more on the château, meaning an estate's brand can maintain prestige even if its vineyards span varying locations and qualities.

The most influential classification in Bordeaux remains the 1855 Classification, commissioned by Napoleon III for the Paris Universal Exposition. This system ranked Médoc and Graves estates into five tiers, with First Growths (Premiers Crus) at the top:

First Growths: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Haut-Brion (my next post will be dedicated to this winery), Château Margaux, and Château Latour.

Second Growths: Château Rauzan-Ségla, Château Pichon Longueville,Château Lascombes,Château Léoville-Las Cases, etc.

Third Growths: Château Palmer, Château d’Issan,Château Boyd-Cantenac, Château Kirwan, etc.

Fourth Growths: Château Talbot, Château La Tour Carnet,Château Prieuré-Lichine, etc.

Fifth Growths: Château d’Armailhac, Château Clerc-Milon, Château Croizet-Bages, etc

Additional systems include the Graves Classification (established in 1953) and the Saint-Émilion Classification (established in 1954 and updated roughly every decade). The latter ranks wines into Grand Cru Classé, Grand Cru Classé B, and Premier Grand Cru Classé A. Interestingly, Pomerol, despite producing some of Bordeaux’s finest Merlot wines, has no formal classification.

Recognizing that many quality producers were excluded from this system, the Cru Bourgeois classification was introduced in 1932 (most recently revised in 2020). It features three tiers—Cru Bourgeois, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, and Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel—and is based on blind tastings of five recent vintages. Unlike the 1855 system, it emphasizes wine quality over château reputation.

For those seeking quality without breaking the bank, Cru Bourgeois wines often deliver outstanding value, typically priced between $40–$80. For more affordable options, explore satellite appellations such as Côtes de Blaye, Côtes de Castillon, Listrac, and Fronsac, or look to district-level wines from Haut-Médoc and Médoc, where solid bottles can be found in the $20–$40 range.

If you're new to Bordeaux, critics' reviews are invaluable in navigating both vintage variation and value wines.

And now to my recommendations:

I was in Bordeaux last May and I didn't have enough time to taste everything I wanted! These are some of the wines that I did manage to taste and which I loved! Cheers, Silvina

1. AOC Crémant Rosé de Bordeaux B de Bonhoste (Brut) NV $20
2. AOC Pessac LéognanLe Clementine de Pape Clement Blanc (Château Pape Clement) 2020, $60
3. AOC Pessac Léognan Château Pape Clement Blanc 2019, $149
4. AOC Pessac Leognan Château Luchey Halde 2014 $42
5. AOC Saint Estephe, Château Phelan Segur 2015 $60
6. AOC Pessac Léognan Château Pape Clement Rouge 2016, $117
7. AOC Cérons Grand Enclos de Château de Cerons (sweet) 2018 $80

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#Bordeaux, #Bordeauxwines #Frenchwine#thoughtsoflawina #winewednesday #bordeauxrouge #bordeauxblanc.