Luca Malbec, Paraje Altamira 2021 | Argentine Wine

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WINE OVERVIEW

Luca is Laura Catena's passion project to rescue old vines and produce wines that express the history and soul of Mendoza's century-old vineyards. She believes that “old vines are family” and strives to highlight the vignerons behind the wines and preserve the genetic diversity of Mendoza's historic vines. Luca purchases fruit from small growers, allowing these families to continue farming for another generation. She replants her vineyards using massale selections from Mendoza's 100-year-old vineyards. The historic G-Lot parcels of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Gualtallary were planted over 30 years ago and are at the edge of where grapes can ripen in Mendoza, at nearly 5,000 feet elevation. Laura Catena is a 4th generation vintner, mother of three, author, ER doctor, and one of the wine industry's most prominent voices. In 2023, she was given the first "Old Vine Hero" award by The Old Vine Conference. Luis Reginato works beside Laura as Luca's winemaker and the Vineyard Director for Catena Zapata Family Vineyards. Luca has had 10 wines recognized as Top 100 Wine of the Year. Luca is named after Laura's first son, who was born the same year the brand was founded.

Tasting Notes

Notes of black cherry and dark berry with hints of violet, vanilla, and mocha. Deep and dense on the palate with round tannins. This ia great expression of Malbec from the sunny days and cold nights of Altamira.

Food Pairing

Pairs well with steak, pork dishes, and chicken in rich sauces.

Aromatically alluring, with elements of violet, orange peel and wet ash, while the palate is filled with raspberry and plum notes, offering just enough acidity to lift the flavors and carry them on the finish around velvety tannins and hints of spiced cocoa. Drink now through 2036. 3,000 cases made, 1,500 cases imported. Wine Spectator May 2024

BEST ARGENTINE MALBEC TO BUY RIGHT NOW There is balance in this fruit-forward Malbec of smooth texture. The nose has subtle notes of chalk and thyme. Flavors of raspberries, plums, blackberries, thyme and spices flow through the palate, disappearing slowly in the aftertaste. Wine Enthusiast January 2024

The 2021 Malbec Paraje Altamira hails from the Paraje Altamira geographical indication in the Uco Valley. Purple in the glass. The beautifully herbal nose features sage, violet and crushed plum notes. It’s dry and chalky, with finely-grained tannins and well-balanced acidity that establishes a savory, almost saline character. The cool 2021 vintage suited this style of wine very well. Vinous June 2023

A vibrant malbec with ripe strawberries, currants, stones and sweet spices. Medium-bodied and textured with crunchy fruit and firm, dusty tannins that follow through to an elegant and delicate finish. Rather linear. A little more depth and polish will take it to the next level. Drink now. James Suckling March 2023

A wine sold mostly in restaurants, the 2021 Malbec Paraje Altamira is juicy and showcases the expression of the grape in the limestone-rich soils of Altamira in Valle de Uco. It has good freshness, and the ripeness is contained, with sweet spices and round tannins. Wine Advocate November 2022

Tech Details

The vineyards in Altamira (Uco Valley) are composed of shallow, rocky, alluvial soils that are irrigated by the Andes snowmelt. The grapes are hand-harvested and aged 12 months in 30% new French barrels and 70% 2nd use French barrels. All Luca wines are certified sustainable through Bodegas de Argentina.