Ben Marco Expresivo

Ben Marco Expresivo is a 750ml Malbec-Cabernet Franc blend from Mendoza's Uco Valley, bottled at 14.5% ABV. Awarded 96 points by James Suckling, this expression also earned 93 points from both the Wine Advocate (Luis Gutiérrez) and Tim Atkin MW, placing it among the most critically acclaimed red blends from Argentina's prized Gualtallary district.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina  |  Blend: 85% Malbec, 15% Cabernet Franc  |  Winery: Susana Balbo Wines

Production & Heritage

Susana Balbo Wines, founded in 1999 in Luján de Cuyo by Argentina's first female enologist, sources fruit for the Expresivo from Gualtallary's high-altitude vineyards planted in distinctive calcareous alluvial soils that promote excellent drainage and concentrated berry character. The winemaking follows a non-interventionist philosophy: grapes ferment with indigenous wild yeasts at a controlled maximum of 30°C, with no acidity adjustments made during the process. The finished wine ages for 14 months in French oak barrels—70% new and 30% second-use—allowing the oak to frame rather than dominate the vineyard's mineral signature.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with fresh blackberries and blueberries layered over crushed violets and lavender. Deeper inhalation reveals mineral-driven notes of crushed stone, chalk, and a subtle asphalt-like earthiness accented by cocoa powder.

Taste: The entry is glossy and dark, with ripe plum and fig meeting a mid-palate surge of black tea, mocha, and bittersweet cocoa. Cabernet Franc's herbal spine emerges alongside sweet incense and raspberry ganache as the wine builds toward a concentrated, structured peak. Natural acidity keeps every layer in check.

Finish: Long and focused, with compact, finely grained tannins framing persistent violet and dark fruit. Lingering pepper tree spice and a chalky mineral undertone carry the wine well past the final sip.

How to Drink Expresivo

Pour into a large-bowled glass and let the wine breathe for 20–30 minutes; it rewards patience as the mineral and floral layers unfold over time. Serving slightly below room temperature—around 16–18°C—preserves its freshness and aromatic complexity. This is a wine built for the table rather than cocktails, and it shines alongside food.

Best For

• A centerpiece red for an Argentine asado or grilled-meat dinner
• Gifting a serious wine enthusiast who appreciates high-altitude Malbec
• Building a cellar collection of top-rated Uco Valley reds
• A special-occasion bottle for an anniversary or milestone dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ben Marco Expresivo taste like? Ben Marco Expresivo leads with concentrated dark fruit—blackberry, plum, and fig—wrapped in cocoa, mocha, and bittersweet chocolate, with a distinctive mineral and violet thread running through the palate. Firm yet polished tannins and bright natural acidity give the wine structure and freshness.

How does Expresivo compare to Catena Alta Malbec? Both are premium Mendoza Malbecs, but Expresivo draws its fruit exclusively from the cooler, higher-elevation Gualtallary district and ferments with wild yeasts, producing a more mineral-driven, restrained profile. Catena Alta sources from multiple estate vineyards across Mendoza and tends toward a rounder, more fruit-forward style.

Is Expresivo good for cellaring? Yes—its firm tannin structure, balanced acidity, and concentrated fruit suggest it can develop favorably for five to ten years from vintage, though it drinks well on release after decanting.

Where is Ben Marco Expresivo made? Expresivo is produced by Susana Balbo Wines, based in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in Gualtallary, a sub-region of the Uco Valley known for its high altitude and calcareous alluvial soils.

What foods pair well with Expresivo? Grilled beef short ribs match the wine's smoky depth and tannic grip. Slow-braised lamb shoulder complements its herbal and spice notes. Aged hard cheeses like Manchego echo its chalky mineral finish. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the mocha and cocoa flavors. Roasted root vegetables with rosemary bridge the earthy and floral elements.

What sizes does Expresivo come in? Ben Marco Expresivo is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Expresivo worth the price? Expresivo positions as a premium expression within the Ben Marco range, and its critical recognition—96 points from James Suckling, 93 from the Wine Advocate and Tim Atkin MW—places it alongside wines that often command significantly higher prices. For a 93- to 96-point Argentine blend, it represents strong value within its tier.

Why Expresivo?

What separates Expresivo from the broader field of Mendoza Malbec blends is its specific terroir commitment: Gualtallary's calcareous soils and high altitude produce fruit with an uncommon mineral intensity that no amount of winemaking technique can replicate. The wild-yeast fermentation and minimal-intervention approach let that site specificity come through clearly in the glass. A cumulative critical record that includes 96 points from James Suckling and 93 from three additional respected critics confirms this is not a one-vintage success. For drinkers seeking a structured, terroir-expressive Argentine red that stands apart from the fruit-bomb stereotype, Expresivo delivers genuine complexity at its price point.