Tikal Amorio Malbec 2014

Cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving.

Sure to delight lovers of big, bold reds, this charming Malbec is named “Amorio” or “love affair” after the deep passion the Argentinian people have for this versatile grape variety. The fruit used for this bottling is sourced from two vineyards in Altamira in Mendoza where the high altitude conditions help to produce incredibly concentrated and flavoursome fruit.

The grapes are carefully harvested by hand to maximise quality and the young wine is aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for 12 months before bottling. Heady notes of woodsmoke, ripe berries, plums and cherries define the nose while the palate offers firm yet smooth tannins, a generous full body and an elegant structure which will respond well to further ageing in the cellar. A great match for typical Argentinian fare like a hearty steak, barbecued chorizo sausages, ribs, or simply a generous platter of charcuterie.

Tikal is a natural winery set in Mendoza’s high altitude Uco Valley which was founded by Ernesto Catena, a fourth generation winemaker whose ancestors emigrated from Italy to Argentina bringing their love of the vine with them. Inspired by the way the Incans and Mayans designed their cities to be seen from the sky and enjoyed by their gods, Ernesto and his team have designed their winery to honour nature. The estate is both organically and biodynamically-certified, and even uses sheep to remove weeds between the vines.