Escala Humana Wines, Tupungato (Valle de Uco, Argentina) Bequingnol “Livverá” 2022 ( $31, Brazos Wine Imports)

Bequignol, a varietal native to Southwest France, found its way to Argentina’s prized Valle de Uco where its production has eclipsed France. First, this wine needs some serious air before enjoyment. I recommend an aerator, a decanter, or pulling the cork 45 minutes before serving. The wine is full of mineral notes ranging from crushed rocks to graphite. Tart cranberry, pomegranate, and wild strawberry provide the wine’s red fruit structure. The body is light but its tannins are grippy, making this an ideal and intriguing red to serve before dinner with a buttered baguette or with meals incorporating ground beef.
89 Vince Simmon