Bodega Iaccarini Malbec - 2011

Bodega Iaccarini Malbec 2011 is a 100% Malbec from San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 13.9% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2011 vintage earned 89 points from Wine Spectator and a Silver Medal at the 2012 Wines of Argentina competition, underscoring its quality within this historic estate's portfolio.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.9%  |  Origin: San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina  |  Vintage: 2011  |  Producer: Bodega Iaccarini

Production & Heritage

Bodega Iaccarini was founded in 1903 by Italian immigrant Don Pascual Iaccarini, making it one of San Rafael's oldest continuously operating estates. The vineyards sit at approximately 2,789 feet above sea level and are cultivated using the traditional high espalier training method, protected by an anti-hail net system — a practical necessity in this part of Mendoza where violent hailstorms can devastate crops. Vines range from 5 to 25 years of age and grow in a striking diversity of soils: sandy at the lower plots, sand mixed with clay at mid-elevations, and gravelly terrain at the highest points, reminiscent of the gravel beds found in Bordeaux's Graves. This soil variation contributes to wines that have been described as softer and more elegant than the bolder Malbecs typical of warmer Mendoza sub-regions like Luján de Cuyo.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark plum and ripe blackberry lead the nose, followed by understated hints of vanilla and chocolate derived from oak contact. A subtle mineral and earthy undertone rounds out the bouquet.

Taste: The entry is plush with concentrated dark fruit — plum and black cherry — before the mid-palate introduces smoky, savory notes and soft tannins. The wine's structure is moderate rather than heavy, reflecting the cooler San Rafael microclimate and the estate's gravelly upper soils.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering notes of earth, dried spice, and a faint cocoa bitterness. The tannins resolve smoothly, leaving a clean, dry close.

How to Drink Iaccarini Malbec 2011

Given the 2011 vintage's maturity, this Malbec is best served at 60–65°F to let the evolved fruit and savory secondary characters express fully. A few minutes of air in the glass will help it open further. It also works well as a base in a Malbec Sangria, where the dark fruit complements citrus and stone fruit additions. A Red Wine Spritz — Malbec with sparkling water and a slice of orange — makes an approachable warm-weather serve. For a cocktail with depth, try it in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice), where the wine's fruit weight holds up against the sweetness.

Best For

• Weeknight Argentine asado-inspired dinners
• Exploring lesser-known Mendoza sub-regions beyond Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley
• Pairing alongside charcuterie boards with aged cheeses
• Building out a collection of vintage Argentine Malbecs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Iaccarini Malbec 2011 taste like? It delivers ripe dark plum and black cherry fruit with secondary notes of earth, smoke, and soft cocoa, framed by smooth, resolved tannins characteristic of a wine with over a decade of age.

How does Iaccarini Malbec compare to Malbecs from Luján de Cuyo? San Rafael sits at a slightly lower elevation and has a cooler influence than Luján de Cuyo, producing Malbecs that tend toward softer tannins and more restrained fruit rather than the bold, concentrated style associated with higher-altitude Mendoza sub-regions.

Is Iaccarini Malbec 2011 good for sipping neat? Yes — its mature tannin structure and evolved fruit profile make it well suited for drinking on its own, ideally served just below room temperature with a few minutes of air.

Where is Iaccarini Malbec made? Bodega Iaccarini is located in San Rafael, a sub-region in the southern part of Mendoza, Argentina, with vineyards planted at approximately 2,789 feet above sea level on varied sandy, clay, and gravel soils.

What foods pair well with Iaccarini Malbec 2011? Grilled beef short ribs match the wine's smoky depth. Lamb empanadas echo its earthy character. Semi-hard cheeses like provoleta or Manchego complement the smooth tannins. Roasted eggplant or grilled portobello mushrooms play off the wine's savory notes. Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content mirrors the finish.

What sizes does Iaccarini Malbec come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is Iaccarini Malbec 2011 worth the price? Bodega Iaccarini positions as a value-oriented Argentine producer, and the 2011 Malbec sits in the everyday-to-mid-range tier, making its 89-point Wine Spectator rating a strong showing relative to its price class.

Why Iaccarini Malbec 2011?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of Argentine Malbec is its origin in San Rafael — a sub-region that remains underexplored compared to the heavily marketed Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo. The estate's diverse soil profile, including gravelly upper plots akin to Bordeaux's Graves, contributes a finesse and mineral quality that distinguishes these wines. The 89-point Wine Spectator score and 2012 Wines of Argentina Silver Medal validate the quality, while the bodega's unbroken history dating to 1903 speaks to generational winemaking knowledge. For anyone seeking mature, elegant Argentine Malbec without the premium commanded by higher-profile appellations, this bottle delivers real substance.