Michelini i Mufatto La Cautiva Oleo Malbec 2020

Michelini i Mufatto is the project of Andrea Mufatto and Gerardo Michelini, working across the Uco Valley in Mendoza alongside sites in Uruguay and Spain. This La Cautiva Oleo is a single variety Malbec from Tupungato, one of the highest and coolest parts of the Uco Valley. Altitude is the defining factor here. Vineyards planted high in the Andes foothills sit under intense daytime sun but cool sharply at night, and that wide diurnal range lets Malbec ripen its fruit and tannins while holding fresh acidity and aromatic detail rather than turning heavy. The poor, alluvial and stony soils give low yields of concentrated fruit. The winemaking aims at finesse, with ageing for 15 months in used French oak barrels, chosen so the wood adds texture and slow oxygen exchange without imposing new oak vanilla over the fruit. The wine is deep violet to ruby with aromas of plum, dark berries and black pepper, lifted by a floral and herbal note. The palate is medium to full bodied and fresh, with concentrated but vibrant fruit, fine grained tannins and a savoury, peppery finish that reflects the cool high altitude site. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It suits grilled beef and roast lamb.