Tasting Notes
The story
Despite the presence of two additional grapes, this Malbec is
recognisably Argentinian Malbec - it's
big in terms of its rich concentrated flavours. As I say in my notes on the
Flechas de los Andes 100% Malbec, Argentinean Malbecs can vary greatly in terms of quality. Malbec grown at higher altitudes in Argentina are generally more elegant, with finer tannins and higher acidity. This is another wine from grapes not grown in the valley but at 820 - 1050 metres altitude therefore
showing elegance, acidity and the luscious fruit typical of good Malbec.
According to the winery given that there are few changes in the Argentinian weather year-on-year, there is little vintage variation; they aim to produce a consistent style in each vintage and do this by for example altering the picking time and managing the time the Malbec spends in oak.
Read more on the Malbec grape.
The wine
Malbec accounts for 85% of the blend. Petit Verdot (10%) enhances the colour, structure and adds some floral notes. Tannat (5%) as the name suggests is high in tannin, and adds colour and blackberry notes. Only the Malbec is aged in oak barrels and after that the wines are blended and stored in bottle for a further year before release.
The wine is very
deep in colour given the three grapes involved. The nose is complex -
aromas of red fresh fruits, raisins, vanilla with hints of leather, graphite and meatiness. In the mouth it is
very smooth and tannins are well-integrated. The flavours are equally complex and the
red fruits are maintained in the long finish
together with vanilla, spice, chocolate and hints of liquorice. This is an ideal wine
for fans of big, bold wines and is
good with hearty food like fatty steaks and rich sauces.
It is a good idea to decant or aerate the wine to allow all the aroms and flavours to come out.
Read more on decanting.
Food Pairing
According to the producer this is "a perfect match for lamb preparations, stuffed pasta with rich-flavoured sauces and semi-hard cheese." Also recommended to drink with steak (Argentinian of course!), other beef dishes including chilli con carne and other spiced dishes, lamb including tagines, venison, game casseroles, strong flavoured offal, rich sauces, strong cheeses and chocolate
Producer's Notes
Luigi Bosca Gala 1 is a jet black red blend with medium intensity and very good brightness. It shows a complex bouquet of liquorice, black olives and tobacco on the nose. The sweet and elegant nature of this wine contributes to a modern profile on the palate. It is harmonic, with ripen tannins, full-bodied and persistence, and subtle vanilla and spicy memory with long finish.
Aromas & Flavour: plum, blueberries, dates, figs, raspberries, berries, raisins, cherries, vanilla, mixed spices
Awards
89 points Wine Spectator 2018
"Well-spiced, with a concentrated core of dark cherry, raspberry and dark currant flavors that feature forest floor notes. Long and juicy on the finish, showing cocoa powder accents. Malbec, Petit Verdot and Tannat."
