Catena Paraje Altamira Malbec 2023

Catena Paraje Altamira Malbec comes from Catena Zapata in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. Paraje Altamira is a defined high-altitude site on an old alluvial fan, where stony, limestone-rich soils give good drainage and lend a mineral edge to the fruit. The elevation here is considerable, and the strong sunlight by day is balanced by cold mountain nights. That wide diurnal swing ripens the Malbec fully while holding onto acidity and fresh aromatics, which is what separates altitude Malbec from warmer, flatter sites. The grapes are farmed with respectful agriculture and the wine ages a year in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannin and adds cocoa, vanilla and sweet spice without overwhelming the fruit. The colour is deep, intense, almost opaque red. The nose shows ripe plum and dark berry fruit, with violet, pepper and a savoury, mineral undertone. The palate is full and ripe, with fine, firm tannin and the freshness the altitude provides, carrying a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted ahead. It suits grilled beef, lamb and hard cheeses.