Tikal Patriota 2018

Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving.

The pioneering Tikal winery was founded by fourth generation winemaker Ernesto Catena whose ancestors brought their love of winemaking with them when they emigrated from Italy to Argentina. Set in Mendoza’s high altitude Uco Valley, Tikal has been designed as a sculpture to be viewed from the skies in much the same way as the ancient Incans and Mayans built their cities to be enjoyed by the gods above. Here it is nature that is honoured and revered, with the estate practising both organic and biodynamic viticulture.

Patriota or “patriotic” is a blend of old vine Bonarda and Malbec, Argentina’s two iconic black grape varieties. The Malbec is sourced from the estate’s Vista Flores vineyard while the Bonarda comes from Rivadavia. The grapes are all harvested by hand and the young wine spends 12 months ageing in a mixture of French and American oak barrels.

The result is an intense yet silky smooth red that has previously featured on Wine Spectator’s ‘Top 100 List’. Succulent berries and cherries dominate on the nose along with hints of licorice and spice, followed by smooth tannins and refreshing acidity on the palate. A great wine to enjoy on its own or alongside a generous platter of charcuterie, tomato-based pasta dishes, or a prime steak.