{"title":"Via Blanca","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"via-blanca-malbec-2012","title":"Via Blanca Malbec - 2012","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVia Blanca Malbec 2012\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Malbec from San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina, produced by Bodega Iaccarini in a standard 750ml bottle. This vintage earned a Silver medal at the International Wine \u0026amp; Spirit Competition (IWSC), reinforcing its standing among quality Argentine Malbecs from a high-altitude sub-region that remains underappreciated relative to Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Varietal: 100% Malbec  |  Origin: San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina  |  Vintage: 2012  |  Producer: Bodega Iaccarini  |  Elevation: 850 meters above sea level\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBodega Iaccarini sources fruit for Via Blanca from vines over 15 years old planted at 850 meters elevation in San Rafael, a southern Mendoza sub-region known for wide diurnal temperature swings that promote balanced acidity alongside ripe fruit concentration. Grapes are hand-harvested in small 20-kilogram boxes — a practice that preserves berry integrity and reduces oxidation before vinification. The result is a wine that highlights the varietal purity of Malbec without heavy-handed extraction.\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 The nose opens with fresh plum and red berry fruit, supported by subtle violet florals. There is a lively, youthful quality to the aromatics that leans toward bright, primary fruit rather than oak-driven complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate echoes the nose closely, with plum and mixed red berries arriving on entry and carrying through the mid-palate. The fruit character is ripe without being jammy, and the overall structure is balanced, with moderate tannins providing shape without excessive grip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is persistent and well-balanced, with lingering red fruit and a clean, smooth exit. There is no harsh dryness or astringency, making the wine approachable even at a decade of age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Via Blanca Malbec\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe at 16–18°C (60–64°F). At over a decade old, this wine benefits from 15–20 minutes of breathing time, either poured into a wide-bowled glass or briefly decanted. While primarily a wine for sipping alongside food, it also works well in wine-forward cocktails. A \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola) uses the fruit-forward profile to good effect in a casual setting. A \u003cstrong\u003eSangria\u003c\/strong\u003e built around this Malbec gains depth from its plum and berry notes without needing excessive added sugar. A \u003cstrong\u003eNew York Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e — a whiskey sour floated with red wine — benefits from the persistent fruit and balanced acidity.\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\u003eIntroducing a friend to high-altitude Argentine Malbec from outside the usual regions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a weekend asado or grilled red meat dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding an aged-vintage South American red to a wine collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a Malbec enthusiast something from a lesser-known Mendoza sub-region\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 Via Blanca Malbec taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Via Blanca Malbec 2012 is a fruit-driven red dominated by ripe plum and red berry flavors with a persistent, balanced finish and moderate tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Via Blanca Malbec compare to Alamos Malbec?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are 100% Malbec from Mendoza, but Via Blanca sources exclusively from San Rafael at 850 meters elevation, while Alamos draws from multiple Mendoza sub-regions. The Via Blanca 2012 also carries an IWSC Silver medal for this specific vintage, underscoring its competitive quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Via Blanca Malbec good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its ripe fruit character, moderate tannins, and balanced finish make it approachable neat, especially after a brief decant to let the 2012 vintage open up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Via Blanca Malbec made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Via Blanca Malbec is produced by Bodega Iaccarini in San Rafael, a sub-region in the southern part of Mendoza, Argentina, at approximately 850 meters above sea level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Via Blanca Malbec?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled beef steaks benefit from the wine's ripe fruit and tannin structure. Lamb chops with rosemary echo the dark berry notes. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego complement the moderate tannins. Empanadas filled with spiced beef match the wine's Mendozan roots. Dark chocolate desserts play well against the plum and berry finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Via Blanca Malbec come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Via Blanca Malbec 2012 is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Via Blanca Malbec worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Via Blanca Malbec 2012 positions as an accessible, entry-to-mid-level Argentine Malbec that punches above its weight — the IWSC Silver medal and hand-harvested fruit from old vines at altitude represent genuine quality markers uncommon at this value tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Via Blanca Malbec?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSan Rafael remains one of Mendoza's quieter sub-regions, often overshadowed by the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, yet its 850-meter elevation and significant day-to-night temperature shifts produce Malbec with a distinct freshness that avoids the overripe, high-alcohol profile common in warmer zones. The 2012 vintage earned IWSC Silver recognition — a meaningful credential from one of the wine world's longest-running competitions. Hand harvest in small 20-kilogram boxes signals a level of care in the vineyard that preserves fruit quality from vine to cellar. For anyone seeking varietal-pure Argentine Malbec with genuine provenance and a proven track record from an established Mendoza bodega, this bottle delivers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Via Blanca","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836968431785,"sku":"24633","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/via_blanca_malbec__75149.jpg?v=1730475479"},{"product_id":"via-blanca-bonarda-2011","title":"Via Blanca Bonarda - 2011","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVia Blanca Bonarda 2011\u003c\/strong\u003e is a dry, 100% Bonarda red wine from San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina, in a standard 750ml bottle. Produced by Bodega Iaccarini, this vintage hails from Argentina's first and only Denominación de Origen (DO) designated specifically for Bonarda — a distinction that underscores the region's singular suitability for the grape. The wine earned 85 points from Meininger, Germany's respected wine trade publication, where reviewers noted its varietal typicity and crisp freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Varietal: 100% Bonarda  |  Origin: San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina  |  Vintage: 2011  |  Producer: Bodega Iaccarini  |  Style: Dry (2.15 g\/l residual sugar)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBodega Iaccarini operates in San Rafael, a sub-region of Mendoza situated in the southern reaches of the province where cooler nighttime temperatures help preserve natural acidity in the fruit. The Via Blanca Bonarda 2011 was vinified in stainless steel tanks — a deliberate choice that preserves the grape's fresh, fruit-forward character without oak influence. San Rafael holds a unique position in Argentine viticulture as the nation's sole DO for Bonarda, recognizing the terroir's particular affinity for a variety that remains one of Argentina's most widely planted yet often underappreciated red grapes.\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 Red cherry and ripe plum lead the nose, followed by subtle dried spice notes. The aromatic profile is bright and direct, consistent with the stainless steel vinification.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is lively with red berry fruit that mirrors the nose. Mid-palate, the wine gains density and a spiced character that adds complexity without heaviness. Total acidity of 4.97 g\/l provides a firm backbone that keeps the fruit focused and prevents any sense of flabbiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is moderately long, dry, and clean with lingering red cherry and a trace of spice. The stainless steel aging preserves a crisp, unadorned close that invites another sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Via Blanca Bonarda\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine is best served at a slight chill — around 16°C (61°F) — to emphasize its fresh acidity and bright fruit. It works beautifully as a straightforward pour with food or on its own. For wine-based cocktails, the Bonarda's fruit density and moderate tannin make it a solid candidate for a classic \u003cstrong\u003eSangria\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its plum and cherry notes harmonize with citrus and seasonal fruit; a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola), where the wine's lively acidity cuts through the sweetness; or a \u003cstrong\u003eNew York Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e, substituting for the usual red wine float to add a spicy berry layer atop the whiskey base.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing Argentine wine beyond Malbec to curious drinkers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCasual weeknight dinners centered on grilled meats or pasta\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a South American wine tasting flight alongside Malbec and Torrontés\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with charcuterie boards at informal gatherings\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 Via Blanca Bonarda taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is a dry, fruit-driven red with prominent red cherry and plum flavors, dried spice accents, a lively texture, and a clean, moderately long finish shaped by stainless steel vinification.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Via Blanca Bonarda compare to Argentine Malbec?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bonarda generally delivers lighter tannins and brighter acidity than Malbec, with more red-fruit character versus Malbec's darker berry and chocolate profile. The Via Blanca expression leans into that fresh, crisp side of Bonarda without oak aging, making it a lighter-bodied alternative to most Mendoza Malbecs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Via Blanca Bonarda good for everyday drinking?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its approachable fruit, dry profile, and lively acidity make it a versatile table wine that pairs easily with a wide range of foods without demanding careful attention or extended decanting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Via Blanca Bonarda made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Bodega Iaccarini in San Rafael, a sub-region in southern Mendoza, Argentina. San Rafael holds the distinction of being Argentina's first and only Denominación de Origen for the Bonarda grape.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Via Blanca Bonarda?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled Argentine-style beef or chorizo sausages match the wine's spice and fruit density. Tomato-based pasta dishes echo its acidity. Aged provolone or semi-firm cheeses complement the moderate tannin. Empanadas — especially beef — are a natural regional pairing. Roasted red peppers or eggplant dishes work well with the wine's bright red-fruit character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Via Blanca Bonarda come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is available in 750ml bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Via Blanca Bonarda worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Via Blanca Bonarda positions as a value-tier Argentine red, offering genuine regional character — backed by San Rafael's unique DO status — at an accessible price point that makes it an affordable entry into the Bonarda category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Via Blanca Bonarda?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine's strongest claim is its origin: San Rafael remains the only Argentine region granted a Denominación de Origen specifically for Bonarda, a certification that signals a recognized link between grape and terroir. The 85-point Meininger score confirms varietal typicity, describing the wine as crisp, fresh, and true to character — exactly what stainless steel vinification of a high-acidity, fruit-forward grape should deliver. In a market dominated by Malbec, Via Blanca Bonarda offers a genuinely different expression of Mendoza, one rooted in a grape variety that predates Malbec's modern fame in Argentina. For drinkers looking to explore Argentine wine beyond the obvious, this is a well-documented starting point from a verified DO region.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Via Blanca","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836973019305,"sku":"24634","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/via_blanca_bonarda__56745.jpg?v=1730475537"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/via-blanca.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}