2021 Susana Balbo Brioso Single Vineyard Agrelo

The 2021 Susana Balbo Brioso Single Vineyard Agrelo is a polished, Bordeaux-inspired red blend from one of Mendoza’s most respected estates. Crafted from a single high-altitude vineyard in Agrelo, it showcases a seamless marriage of power, finesse and vibrant Andean freshness. This cuvée has become a reference point for Argentine fine wine, demonstrating just how elegantly the classic Bordeaux varieties can perform in the foothills of the Andes.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Brioso 2021 shows a deep, intense ruby color with violet highlights at the rim, hinting at both concentration and youth. The nose is layered and complex, offering aromas of ripe blackcurrant, blackberry and plum intertwined with notes of graphite, cedar, tobacco leaf, dried herbs and subtle baking spices from carefully judged oak aging. On the palate, this is a full-bodied yet finely structured wine, with firm, ripe tannins and a vibrant line of acidity that keeps the dark fruit lifted and precise. Flavors of cassis, black cherry and blueberry are joined by hints of mocha, pencil shavings, violets and a gentle savory edge that adds depth. The finish is long and persistent, with polished tannins and a refined mineral touch that reflects its high-altitude origin. While already approachable with a good decant, the 2021 vintage has excellent aging potential and should evolve beautifully over the next 8–12 years, gaining further complexity and tertiary nuances.

Production
Brioso is sourced from a single estate vineyard in Agrelo, in the Luján de Cuyo subregion of Mendoza, an area renowned for its well-drained alluvial soils, abundant sunshine and cool nights thanks to its elevation at the base of the Andes. The blend is typically Cabernet Sauvignon-led, complemented by Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot (and occasionally a touch of Merlot), each parcel harvested by hand at optimal ripeness to preserve freshness and varietal character. In the cellar, the grapes are carefully sorted, then fermented in temperature-controlled tanks with attentive extraction to build structure without harshness. The wine is then aged in high-quality French oak barrels for an extended period, allowing the components to integrate and the tannins to soften while adding layers of spice, toast and complexity, all without overwhelming the purity of the fruit.

Food & Serving
This refined red is a natural partner for richly flavored dishes such as grilled ribeye, lamb chops with rosemary, slow-braised beef short ribs or game birds with earthy sides like mushrooms or roasted root vegetables. It also works beautifully with aged hard cheeses such as Manchego, Comté or Parmigiano-Reggiano. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F). A decant of 45–60 minutes is recommended in its youth to allow the wine to open up aromatically and soften its structure; with additional bottle age, a shorter decant primarily for sediment will suffice.

Producer
Susana Balbo is one of Argentina’s most influential and pioneering winemakers, widely recognized as the country’s first female oenologist and a driving force behind the modern renaissance of Argentine wine. After crafting acclaimed wines for various leading estates, she founded her own winery in Mendoza, where she is known for combining deep local knowledge with an international sensibility and meticulous attention to detail. From Agrelo and other prime high-altitude sites, Susana Balbo has helped elevate Argentina’s reputation beyond Malbec alone, producing world-class blends and varietal wines that have earned high scores and global recognition. The Brioso label stands as one of her flagship expressions, highlighting both the quality of Agrelo’s terroir and her vision for sophisticated, ageworthy Argentine reds.

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