El Burro Malbec 2023

El Burro is a natural Malbec from Bodega Santa Julia, the Zuccardi family winery named for Julia Zuccardi in Mendoza, Argentina. Mendoza sits at altitude in the rain shadow of the Andes, where intense sunlight and a wide day to night temperature swing ripen Malbec to deep colour and ripe fruit while the cool nights lock in freshness and the floral, violet aromatics the grape shows at height. The soils are alluvial, stony and free draining, which keeps yields moderate and the fruit concentrated. This is a young wine made without oak ageing, a choice that keeps the Malbec fruit pure, juicy and immediate rather than adding wood spice. It is farmed naturally and is vegan. The colour is deep violet ruby. The nose leads with ripe plum, black cherry and red berry fruit over a floral note and a touch of pepper, and the palate is soft and juicy with round tannins, ripe fruit and a fresh, easy finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, and a light chill suits it in warm weather. Good with grilled meats and mild spice.