Bodega Iaccarini Cabernet Sauvignon - 2011

Bodega Iaccarini Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 750ml. Produced by one of Mendoza's oldest continuously operating wineries — founded in 1903 — this vintage delivers a spice-forward profile anchored by firm, structured tannins and high-altitude character from vineyards situated at 2,789 feet above sea level.

Quick Facts: Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Origin: San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina  |  Vintage: 2011  |  Winery: Bodega Iaccarini (est. 1903)

Production & Heritage

Bodega Iaccarini was established in 1903 by Don Pascual Iaccarini, an Italian immigrant who recognized the potential of the San Rafael sub-region in southern Mendoza. The winery's Cabernet Sauvignon vines are planted using the traditional high espalier training method and protected by an anti-hail net system — a necessity in the foothills of the Andes, where sudden storms can devastate harvests. For this 2011 vintage, alcoholic fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks over 10 days at a controlled temperature of 25°C, preserving primary fruit expression while allowing the grape's natural tannic structure to develop fully.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a pronounced spicy character that leads into layered notes of cedar and vanilla. There is a warmth to the aromatics that suggests the fruit ripeness typical of San Rafael's continental climate.

Taste: On entry, the wine is direct and fruit-forward before the mid-palate reveals a concentrated wave of spice and dark fruit. Firm tannins provide a sturdy backbone, and the overall impression is one of balance and intensity befitting a wine with over a decade of bottle age.

Finish: The finish is medium to long, with lingering spice and dry, grippy tannins that taper gradually. Cedar and subtle earthy undertones remain as the wine fades.

How to Drink Iaccarini Cabernet Sauvignon

Given its age and tannic structure, this 2011 vintage is best enjoyed at room temperature in a large-bowled glass, with 20–30 minutes of breathing time to open up the secondary aromas that have developed over its years in bottle. A classic Argentine Malbec-Cabernet red blend cocktail like a Sangría Argentina benefits from this wine's spice and depth. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) turns this into a casual, refreshing long drink that tempers the tannins. For a sophisticated aperitif, a chilled Tinto de Verano with lemon soda and ice lets the cedar and spice notes shine in a lighter format.

Best For

• Collectors seeking aged Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon from a lesser-known but historic estate
• Pairing with a traditional Argentine asado or charcoal-grilled beef dinner
• Exploring the San Rafael sub-region as an alternative to Luján de Cuyo or Uco Valley wines
• Gifting to a wine enthusiast interested in century-old South American wineries

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Iaccarini Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 taste like? It is a spice-driven, tannic red wine with prominent cedar and vanilla notes backed by dark fruit intensity and a firm, structured finish. The 2011 vintage has developed secondary complexity from over a decade of bottle aging.

How does Iaccarini Cabernet Sauvignon compare to Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon? Trapiche, also based in Mendoza, produces Cabernet Sauvignon at much larger scale across multiple vineyard sites, resulting in a more widely available and fruit-forward style. Iaccarini's smaller-production San Rafael bottling tends toward firmer tannins and a more rustic, terroir-driven profile shaped by its specific high-altitude site and traditional vineyard practices.

Is Iaccarini Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 good for sipping neat? Yes — its tannic structure, spice-forward character, and years of bottle age make it well-suited to contemplative sipping, ideally with some time to breathe after opening.

Where is Iaccarini Cabernet Sauvignon made? It is produced at Bodega Iaccarini in the San Rafael department of Mendoza, Argentina, a sub-region located at 2,789 feet above sea level in the southern portion of the province, known for its continental climate and stony, alluvial soils.

What foods pair well with Iaccarini Cabernet Sauvignon 2011? Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's firm tannins and spice. Slow-braised short ribs echo its depth and dark fruit. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego or Parmesan stand up to the wine's structure. Empanadas with a savory beef filling mirror the earthy, spiced character. Dark chocolate with 70% cacao or higher balances the cedar and vanilla notes on the finish.

What sizes does Iaccarini Cabernet Sauvignon come in? The standard release is available in the 750ml bottle format.

Is Iaccarini Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 worth the price? This wine positions as an entry-level to mid-range Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon, but its provenance from a 120-year-old estate and over a decade of bottle age offer a value proposition that is uncommon at its price tier, particularly for drinkers interested in mature wines without the premium markup.

Why Iaccarini Cabernet Sauvignon 2011?

Few Argentine Cabernet Sauvignons at this price point arrive with over a decade of bottle age from a winery with more than a century of continuous operation. Bodega Iaccarini's San Rafael vineyards sit in a distinctive southern Mendoza microclimate that produces wines with a firmer tannic grip and spice complexity distinct from the more widely marketed Luján de Cuyo or Uco Valley zones. The traditional high espalier vine training and controlled stainless steel fermentation preserve site-specific character without masking it behind heavy oak influence. For anyone looking to explore Mendoza beyond the usual suspects, this 2011 vintage represents a rare opportunity to taste aged, terroir-expressive Argentine Cabernet from a genuinely historic producer.