GRAN ALMA NEGRA
MAGNUM 2018
1.5L FORMAT • BARREL SELECTION • ARGENTINA
"Double volume, double mystery: Ernesto Catena's highest hierarchy in an imposing collector's item."
The Grandeur of Time
The Gran Alma Negra Magnum 2018 is not just a larger bottle; it's a precision oenological tool. The Ernesto Catena Vineyards winery reserves its best barrels from the 2018 vintage — a year of historic balance in the Uco Valley — for this format. When aged in 1.5-liter bottles, the wine develops a silky texture and aromatic depth that standard bottles rarely achieve. It is a dark, deep, and spiritual wine, destined for moments where excellence is non-negotiable.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: Ernesto Catena Vineyards.
Origin: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina.
Vintage: 2018.
Volume: 1500 ml (Magnum).
Aging: 24 months in new French oak of first use.
Composition: Top-tier secret blend (Gran Reserva blend).
2. Sommelier's Notes
Appearance: Deep purplish color with crimson edges. Dense, dark, and with a slow, elegant tear.
Nose: A range of aromas from very ripe black fruit (blueberries, blackberries) to notes of undergrowth, fine leather, Sichuan pepper, and a finish of smoke and dark chocolate.
Palate: Majestic and enveloping entry. The structure is firm but the tannins are masterfully integrated thanks to the Magnum format. Persistent finish with mineral and sweet spice notes.
3. Wine Architecture (Magnum Edition)
4. Suggested Pairings and Moments
Gastronomy: A wine of this volume and structure pairs with high-intensity dishes: Spit-roasted lamb ribs, Wild boar in red wine, dry-aged beef cuts, or hard cheeses like a 36-month Parmigiano Reggiano.
Suggested Moments:
- Special Celebration: A wedding, a decades-long anniversary, or a christening. The Magnum format is the life of the party.
- Prestigious Gift: There is no more impressive gift for a collector than a Gran Alma Negra in 1.5L.
- Business: Ideal for a dinner with strategic partners where solidity and generosity are to be projected.
- Premium Barbecue: At long tables with friends, a Magnum ensures the wine maintains its quality from start to finish.
- Family Meal: The perfect format for sharing among 6 to 8 people at a luxurious Sunday dinner table.
- Romantic Gala Dinner: To enjoy its evolution throughout a long evening.
frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How long can this wine live in my cellar?
As a Gran Reserva in Magnum format from the 2018 vintage, this wine has an aging potential of 20 to 25 years under optimal temperature and humidity conditions.
Is it true that wine tastes different in a Magnum?
Yes, the evolution is slower. The tannins tend to feel "sweeter," and the fruit remains fresh for much longer than in a conventional bottle.
What glass is recommended for this wine?
A large-bowled Bordeaux-style glass is recommended to allow the wine to oxygenate properly after leaving the Magnum bottle.