Rose is usually a Spring and Summer wine, but this one by Susana Balbo, Rose of Malbec, I drink all year round

My friend and brother in law Daniel Slager introduced me to this wonderful wine many years ago. He found it in a great little wine shop in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Dan and family now live in Minneapolis, where he is Publisher & CEO of Milkweed Editions, so we don't get to share wine that often, but I will always have fond memories of the day we shared this wine, Rose of Malbec, by Susana Balbo. 

Since then I have come to enjoy all of Susana's wines. She is a highly recognized enologist in Argentina and has been a driving influence in raising the quality of wines of Argentina to the fine recognition they enjoy today. Her bright spirit and progressive outlook has born many wines of unique style and high quality.

She and her husband, Pedro Marchevsky operate their winery  Dominio del Plata in beautiful Mendoza, Argentina.

This wine is beautiful in many respects.

First is the color. It is striking. One effluent writer describes it as "a beautiful color, this wine; it's blindingly clear transparent watermelon candy, crimson rose petals leaching into a luxurious bath, cherry fruit leather drying in Andean sunshine."   Christopher Pratt, The Full Pour.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave this wine 89 points in 2009 and said "The 2009 Rose of Malbec is dark pink in color with an enticing nose of strawberry and cherry. Ripe, dry, and full-flavored, this delicious Rose should be consumed over the next 12-18 months." 

"Crios means "offspring" (as in children), Susana selected a word to express the notion that these are wines that have not quite "grown up" to the same level of quality and maturity as her more expensive signature-label wines, but they receive the same loving care and attention throughout the winemaking process. The three hands on the label, inspired by a Mayan artifact, represent Susana and her two children. By definition, Crios is to be enjoyed while still young and vibrant. The Crios label includes Cabernet-Sauvignon, Syrah-Bonarda, Torrontes and Rose of Malbec."  Polaner Selections, Importer

I totally enjoy this concept and the lively wonderous character and vibrancy of these wines.

I love the bright cherry, strawberry flavors, with great structure and depth, and a fresh and lively finish.

Susana's wines can be found in many NJ wine stores. In Montclair Amanti Vino carries this wine and the delicious Torrontes, a white wine. Gary's has the Syrah-Bonarda.

Comments

[Eric]

Wow, I never heard of a Malbec Rose. I am a big fan of Rose and will check this out. A personal favorite, be it one of several I've ever had is by Il Mimo.

[Hampers]

Thanks for sharing the review of 2009 Rose of Malbec wine. I love red wine. Will put this bottle to test after going through this blog.