Trapiche Broquel Petit Verdot 2010
When I hear “Argentina” my mind goes immediately to Malbec (and beef but this is a wine blog!); and to Bodega Trapiche. However, while this post is about Trapiche, it’s not about the quintessentially Argentinean Malbec. It’s about the Trapiche Broquel Petit Verdot.
Argentinean Petit Verdot?! Yes! Petit Verdot is one of my absolute favorite grapes. I’m lucky enough that here in Turkey there are several producers making varietal Petit Verdot or using large percentages of it in blends. However, it is certainly not the first grape that springs to mind when I think about Argentina. So when I saw this bottle in a shop here inn Istanbul I was ecstatic.
Bodega Trapiche has a very long history. Quite often we think of New World wineries as just that: new. But Trapiche hit the scene over 130 years ago and began receiving international awards (in Paris no less!) as long ago as 1889. Broquel, the line that brought me this Petit Verdot, debuted not a whole lot later, in the 1920s.
Trapiche Broquel Petit Verdot 2010 Tasting Notes:
I knew the minute I poured this beauty that it was special. The color is so extremely dark and opaque purple as to be almost black. And at 14% abv I figured the wine would have as much attitude as the color indicated.
I was not wrong.
There is so much happening in the nose on this wine. It is fruity and spicy and floral. Aromas of black fruits, subtle vanilla, clove, toasted hazelnuts, lilac, and sage came together in a beautiful fragrant symphony. The palate is a challenge to describe only because it evolved so much from one pour to the next. Initially there was blackberry jam, blueberries, herbs, and lilac. With the next pour the wine revealed cured meats, and finally rich mocha. Tannins that are oh so silky and a long finish that wouldn’t quit were the crowning touches on this beautiful wine.
This was truly a treat. I am now hunting down all the other Trapiche Broquel wines I can find in Istanbul!