{"title":"Gascon","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"gascon-malbec-750ml","title":"Gascon Malbec","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGascon Malbec\u003c\/strong\u003e is a full-bodied 100% Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at approximately 13.8–14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This expression earned 91 points from JamesSuckling.com, reinforcing its standing as one of Mendoza's reliably expressive Malbecs at an accessible price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.8–14.5% (varies by vintage)  |  Origin: Mendoza, Argentina  |  100% Malbec  |  Producer: Bodegas Escorihuela Gascón\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBodegas Escorihuela Gascón traces its roots to 1884, when Don Miguel Escorihuela Gascón established the winery in Mendoza's high-altitude vineyards. The grapes for this wine are hand-harvested and cold soaked for up to four days before fermentation begins in upright tanks, held at a maximum of 85°F for roughly one week. Extended skin contact of up to three weeks extracts deep color and tannin structure. The wine then undergoes malolactic fermentation—using Oenococcus Omni bacteria to convert sharp malic acid into softer, creamier lactic acid—followed by seven months of oak aging that contributes subtle brown spice character without overwhelming the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intense blackberry and ripe plum lead the nose, followed by a distinct hint of mocha and a darker, earthier undercurrent. As the wine opens, floral blossom notes emerge alongside gentle campfire smokiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is bold and fruit-forward, with concentrated blackberry and blueberry flavors coating the palate immediately. At mid-palate, layers of dark cherry, licorice, and baking spice develop, supported by plush, round tannins. The peak delivers a rich chocolate and cacao quality that adds depth without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and velvety, with lingering vanilla and earthy undertones. The soft tannins persist without bitterness, leaving a clean, satisfying close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Gascon Malbec\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine shows best at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, poured into a large-bowled glass to let the aromas fully develop. Decanting for 20–30 minutes can further smooth the tannins and open up the spice notes. For cocktails and wine-based drinks, Gascon Malbec works well in a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola), where its dark fruit intensity holds up against the sweetness; a \u003cstrong\u003eRed Wine Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e built with blackberry liqueur and citrus, which amplifies its natural berry character; and a classic \u003cstrong\u003eMulled Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e with cinnamon and clove, where its existing spice and chocolate notes meld seamlessly with warm aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight steak dinners where a bold, food-friendly red is needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to Argentine Malbec without overwhelming complexity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting casual dinner parties with grilled or roasted meats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a value-driven wine collection focused on New World reds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Gascon Malbec taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gascon Malbec delivers concentrated blackberry, blueberry, and dark cherry flavors layered with licorice, mocha, and subtle chocolate. The mouthfeel is plush and full-bodied with soft, round tannins and a long, velvety finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Gascon Malbec compare to Alamos Malbec?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines originate from Mendoza and sit in a similar price range, but Gascon tends to deliver a richer, more full-bodied profile with greater oak influence from its seven months of barrel aging. In side-by-side tastings, consumers frequently rank Gascon ahead of Alamos for depth and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Gascon Malbec good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its fruit-forward intensity, smooth tannins, and layered spice notes make it approachable enough to enjoy without food, especially when served slightly below room temperature and given a few minutes to breathe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Gascon Malbec made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gascon Malbec is produced by Bodegas Escorihuela Gascón in Mendoza, Argentina, one of the world's foremost regions for high-quality Malbec, situated at high elevation in the foothills of the Andes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Gascon Malbec?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's bold tannins and dark fruit. Lamb chops with rosemary echo its earthy, spiced character. Aged cheddar or Manchego cheese highlights the mocha and vanilla undertones. Slow-braised short ribs mirror the wine's richness, and dark chocolate desserts extend the cacao notes found on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Gascon Malbec come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gascon Malbec is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Gascon Malbec worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gascon Malbec positions as a strong entry-level to mid-range Argentine Malbec, and its 91-point score from JamesSuckling.com suggests it punches above its weight within that value tier, delivering oak-aged complexity typically associated with more expensive bottlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Gascon Malbec?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this wine from the crowded field of Mendoza Malbecs at a similar price point is its deliberate winemaking process: extended cold soak, controlled fermentation, up to three weeks of skin contact, and malolactic conversion that yields a noticeably creamier texture. The seven months of oak aging add spice and structure without masking the varietal's signature dark fruit. A 91-point score from JamesSuckling.com validates what the glass confirms—this is a serious, well-made Malbec backed by a winery with over 140 years of Argentine winemaking heritage. For anyone seeking a reliable, full-bodied Malbec that performs well above its price class, Gascon remains a benchmark.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gascon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836705140905,"sku":"20989","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/gascon-malbec__88385.jpg?v=1730467112"},{"product_id":"gascon-malbec-reserva-750ml","title":"Gascon Malbec Reserva 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGascon Malbec Reserva 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Malbec reserve wine from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2018 vintage earned Gold Medals at both the San Diego International Wine Competition and the TEXSOM International Wine Awards, confirming its standing among Argentina's most dependable oak-aged Malbecs at the reserve level.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Mendoza, Argentina (Luján de Cuyo)  |  Reserva — Minimum 12 Months Oak  |  Winery: Bodegas Escorihuela Gascon\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBodegas Escorihuela Gascon, part of the Catena family's portfolio of Argentine wineries, sources fruit from high-elevation vineyards in Altamira, Agrelo, and Tupungato — three of Mendoza's most respected sub-regions for Malbec. Grapes are hand-harvested during the cool early morning hours in mid-to-late April, then crushed and cold-soaked for 72 to 96 hours before fermentation begins. Skin contact extends up to three weeks through the end of fermentation, extracting deep color and tannin structure. The wine then ages a minimum of 12 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, adding layers of vanilla, spice, and a subtle smoky character that distinguishes the Reserva from the winery's entry-level bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ripe blackberry and plum dominate the opening, followed by delicate violet florals. Beneath the fruit, French oak contributes vanilla and milk chocolate, while a wisp of toasted almond emerges as the wine opens in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full-bodied and mouth-coating from the first sip, with lush dark fruit — blackberry, dried plum, and cherry — layered across the entry. Mid-palate, mocha and brown spice notes weave through well-structured, round tannins. Dates, hazelnut, and a subtle nuttiness add complexity as the wine builds toward a concentrated peak.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and warm, with dark chocolate and baking spice lingering alongside a gentle smokiness from the oak regimen. The tannins resolve smoothly, leaving a clean, dry close with no bitterness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Gascon Reserva\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a wine built for the dinner table. Serve at 60–65°F and allow 20–30 minutes of air after opening, or decant to accelerate the release of its layered aromatics. A \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola over ice) makes surprisingly good use of the wine's bold fruit and spice. A classic \u003cstrong\u003eSangria\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits from the Reserva's concentrated dark-berry character and structured tannins. For a simpler warm-weather option, a \u003cstrong\u003eTinto de Verano\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine with lemon soda) lets the blackberry and plum notes shine in a lighter format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with an Argentine-style asado or weekend grilled steak dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStocking a home wine collection with a reliable, oak-aged Malbec under $20\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a red wine drinker who appreciates full-bodied South American wines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a blind tasting comparing reserve-level Mendoza Malbecs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Gascon Reserva taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gascon Malbec Reserva is a full-bodied red wine dominated by ripe blackberry, plum, and cherry, with secondary notes of mocha, dark chocolate, and brown spice from 12 months of oak aging. Round, well-structured tannins give it a smooth, mouth-coating texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Gascon Reserva compare to Alamos Malbec?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines come from the Catena family's Mendoza operations, but the Gascon Reserva sees significantly more oak aging and is sourced from select high-altitude vineyard sites in Altamira, Agrelo, and Tupungato. Alamos Malbec is typically lighter-bodied and more fruit-forward, while the Gascon Reserva delivers greater tannin structure, complexity, and a longer finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Gascon Reserva good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the extended oak aging and concentrated fruit profile make it well-suited to drinking neat, especially after 20–30 minutes of breathing time or a brief decanting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Gascon Reserva made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gascon Malbec Reserva is produced by Bodegas Escorihuela Gascon in the Luján de Cuyo appellation of Mendoza, Argentina, using hand-harvested grapes from vineyards in the Altamira, Agrelo, and Tupungato sub-regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Gascon Reserva?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled ribeye or skirt steak plays off the wine's smoky oak and bold tannins. Lamb chops with rosemary echo its spice notes. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego or aged Gouda complement the nutty, chocolate undertones. Braised short ribs mirror the wine's dark fruit concentration. Dark chocolate desserts align naturally with the mocha finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Gascon Reserva come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gascon Malbec Reserva is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Gascon Reserva worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gascon Reserva positions as a mid-range Argentine Malbec that punches above its weight class, delivering 12 months of oak aging and hand-harvested, high-altitude fruit at a price point typically associated with simpler, unoaked wines. Its gold medal pedigree and Wine Enthusiast recognition (88 points for the 2012 vintage) reinforce strong value in the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Gascon Reserva?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this bottling from the crowded field of Argentine Malbecs is a production regimen that many wineries reserve for bottles at twice the price: hand-harvesting at dawn, an extended cold soak of up to 96 hours, three weeks of skin contact, and a full year in French and American oak. The fruit sourcing from Altamira, Agrelo, and Tupungato — three of Mendoza's highest-regarded terroirs — adds genuine site specificity rather than generic regional blending. Gold medals at both the San Diego International Wine Competition and TEXSOM validate the consistency across vintages. For anyone building a weeknight-to-dinner-party rotation of dependable reds, this Reserva earns a permanent spot.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gascon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837945475241,"sku":"35452","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Gascon-Malbec-Reserva__37407.jpg?v=1730501821"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/gascon.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}