Michelini i Mufatto La Cautiva Malbec 2020

La Cautiva is the Malbec of Michelini i Mufatto, the family project of Andrea Mufatto and Gerardo Michelini, made in Tupungato in the Uco Valley of Mendoza. The Uco Valley sits at high altitude in the foothills of the Andes, and Tupungato is among its coolest, highest sub regions. The strong sunlight at altitude ripens the fruit fully while cold nights hold acidity and freshness, giving Malbec here more lift and tension than the riper, lower lying examples. The alluvial, stony soils drain freely and limit vigour, concentrating the fruit. Ageing runs to fifteen months in used French oak barrels, so the wood adds slow oxygenation and a finer texture without the sweet vanilla of new oak overwhelming the wine's character. The colour is deep violet. The nose shows dark plum, red berries and black pepper, with cocoa, dried earth and a fine mineral note that reflects the cool, stony terroir. The palate is full but fresh, the tannins ripe and supple, the altitude acidity carrying a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees with grilled red meat, lamb or roasted vegetables.