Santa Julia Cuy Malbec Natural 2023

Bodega Santa Julia is a family estate in Mendoza, and this natural Malbec comes from the high altitude Valle de Uco, one of Argentina's coolest and most respected zones. The vineyards sit well above sea level, where strong daytime sun ripens the fruit fully and very cold nights lock in colour, acidity and aromatic freshness, the diurnal swing that defines mountain Malbec. The soils are alluvial, stony and free draining. Farming is organic and the wine is vegan, fermented with native yeast and raised entirely in stainless steel with no oak, an approach that keeps the fruit pure and the texture fresh while the inert tank preserves the grape's violet lift. The colour is deep, vivid purple. The nose is ripe plum, blackberry and red cherry with violet, pepper and a faint earthy note. The palate is full and fruit driven at fourteen and a half percent alcohol, with ripe, supple tannin and a long, savoury finish. This is Malbec in its most direct, unoaked form. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees with grilled and roast red meat.