GRAN ALMA NEGRA
MAGNUM 2018
1.5L FORMAT
ARGENTINE BARREL SELECTION
"Double the volume, double the mystery: the highest hierarchy from Ernesto Catena in a collector's piece and icon of Argentine wine."
The Grandeur of Time
The 2018 Gran Alma Negra Magnum is not just a larger bottle; it is a tool of oenological precision. The Ernesto Catena Vineyards winery allocates exclusively its best barrels from the 2018 harvest—a year of perfect balance in the Uco Valley, Mendoza—for this collector's format. By evolving in a 1.5-liter container, this high-end red develops a silky texture and impeccable oenological depth. It is a cult label designed for collectors looking to buy exclusive cellar-worthy wines with a guarantee of origin.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: Ernesto Catena Vineyards.
Origin: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina.
Vintage: 2018.
Volume: 1500 ml (Magnum Format).
Aging: 24 months in first-use French oak barrels.
Composition: High-end secret blend (Special selection Gran Reserva blend).
2. Sommelier Notes
Appearance: Very deep purplish color with dark crimson edges. It displays great visual density and thick, slow-falling legs.
Nose: An aromatic array of great complexity ranging from very ripe black fruit (blueberries, blackberries) to hints of minerals, undergrowth, fine leather, black pepper, and an elegant finish of smoke and bitter cocoa.
Palate: Majestic, expansive, and enveloping entry. It possesses an imposing structure but with perfectly integrated, silky tannins thanks to the aging in Magnum format. It offers a long finish with spicy and fruity memories.
3. Wine Architecture (Magnum Edition)
4. Pairing and Suggested Moments
Gastronomy: A red with this structure demands pairings of high gastronomic intensity: grilled rack of lamb, wild boar braised in red wine, long-aged beef cuts (Dry Aged), and hard-paste aged cheeses like a long-cured Parmigiano Reggiano.
Suggested Moments:
- Special Celebration: The Magnum format is the ideal protagonist for weddings, anniversaries, or memorable celebrations.
- Prestige Gift: A high-impact gourmet gift for executives, sommeliers, and wine collectors.
- Business Dinners: Strategic choice for executive meetings where the goal is to convey distinction and good taste.
- Premium Steak Night: In gatherings with friends, this format ensures the wine's freshness and quality from start to finish.
- Distinguished Family Meal: Perfect for sharing among 6 to 8 diners at a festive or Sunday table.
- Gala Romantic Dinner: To enjoy the evolution in the glass throughout an unforgettable evening.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
How long can this wine live in my cellar?
As a Gran Reserva wine in Magnum format from the emblematic 2018 harvest, it has an estimated aging potential of between 20 and 25 years when stored in proper humidity and temperature conditions.
Why does wine evolve differently in Magnum format?
Because the proportion of air inside the bottle is lower compared to the total volume of liquid, micro-oxygenation occurs more slowly, preserving freshness and softening the tannins.
What type of glass is recommended?
It is recommended to serve in large Bordeaux-style or wide-bowl glasses to allow the wine to breathe properly and open up its complex layers of aromas.