ALMA NEGRA
BLANCO 2015
WHITE MYSTERY • UCO VALLEY • ARGENTINA
"Light hidden in darkness: a deep, complex white with a nobility that only time can reveal."
The Enigma of Altitude
The Alma Negra Blanco 2015 is a testament that Argentine whites can age with sublime grace. Produced by Ernesto Catena Vineyards in the heart of the Uco Valley, this wine defies conventions. The 2015 vintage allowed for exceptional concentration, resulting in a wine that today presents with a mature aromatic palette, moving away from primary citrus to delve into notes of brioche, honey, and dried white flowers. It is a wine with "soul," dense and supremely elegant.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: Ernesto Catena Vineyards.
Origin: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina.
Vintage: 2015.
Aging: Fermentation and partial aging in French oak barrels.
Volume: 750 ml.
Style: Full-bodied white with remarkable evolution.
2. Sommelier's Notes
Appearance: Intense golden color with amber reflections, bright and with heavy legs indicating its structure.
Nose: Complex bouquet featuring dried apricots, orange blossom honey, notes of walnuts, and a subtle hint of butter and vanilla from its time in wood.
Palate: Unctuous, with an imposing volume. Acidity is still present, supporting a long, mineral, and slightly toasted finish. A white that behaves like a red in terms of weight.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Suggested Pairings and Moments
Cuisine: Its maturity makes it ideal for complex dishes that would not normally go with young whites. Excellent with roasted poultry, pork with fruit sauces, mushroom risotto, smoked salmon, or even an intense cheese board such as Gruyère or mature Comté.
Suggested Moments:
- Business: A "cult" white wine that impresses with its weight and seriousness at an executive meal.
- Romantic Dinner: Pure elegance to accompany a sophisticated candlelit evening.
- Gift: Perfect for the connoisseur looking for historic vintages and age-worthy wines.
- Summer (Sunset): To enjoy slowly as the sun sets, appreciating how its aromas change with temperature.
- Special Celebration: For those who prefer whites but seek the prestige of a great red.
- Family Meal: Wonderfully accompanies European heritage dishes such as Chicken with Tarragon or Cod.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Is it a sweet wine because it's from 2015?
No, it's a dry wine. Its honeyed notes come from the natural evolution of the Chardonnay grape in the bottle and the quality of the vintage, not from residual sugar.
At what temperature should it be served?
Unlike a young white, this 2015 is best enjoyed slightly less chilled, between 10°C and 12°C, to allow its full aromatic complexity to open up.
Can it be aged longer?
Although it is at its peak, its structure allows it to remain stable in the cellar for another 2 or 3 years, although it has already reached its peak of sophistication.