Luca Beso de Dante Mendoza 2012

Luca’s 2012 Beso de Dante (meaning Dante’s Kiss) is named for Laura Catena’s second son Dante. It is a smooth, polished blend of Malbec (55%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (45%) from high altitude vineyards that outshines many a classified Bordeaux in both flavor and finesse. The 2012 Luca Beso de Dante offers a brilliant deep ruby color, explosive aromatics and a mouthful of luscious flavors. Dark cherry, cassis, violet, tobacco and wood smoke flavors permeate the nose and palate. In terms of pure drinking pleasure it is hard to imagine a wine more enjoyable than the 2012 Beso de Dante: this wine’s haunting aromatics, great flavor, firm structure and a long, satisfying finish with nary an edge add up to what amounts to hedonism in a glass. Given the style and quality of the 2012 Beso de Dante, we were surprised that this wine received only 91 Points (no paltry score mind you) from Vinous, but that is the danger in tasting premium Malbec/Cabernet blends early, before the Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, two Bordeaux titans, have had a chance to marry and create a happy home. With additional time in bottle since that initial review, these two varietals have formed a seamless union of equals. For optimal drinking pleasure we suggest serving “Dante’s Kiss” at cool room temperature (no more than 65° F) after thirty minutes or more of aeration. The sole difficulty will be exercising enough self-control to wait that long. Enjoy!

What should one serve with the 2012 Luca Beso de Dante? In Argentina, one has no doubt as to the answer and the proper accompaniment to the suave, flavor-filled 2012 Luca Beso de Dante. Beef, beef, and more beef would be the resounding response to what would be perceived as a rhetorical question. Beef would indeed be a fine choice, but not just any cut of beef. Our preferences lean to the best Prime Rib au jus, Grilled Filet Mignon with Portabella Mushrooms, and Whole Beef Tenderloin encrusted with black pepper and herbs. Grilled Stuffed Veal Chops served with roasted Red Bliss potatoes and caramelized Brussels sprouts with pancetta constitute another favorite pairing with Beso de Dante. Rack of Lamb and savory pork roasts make fine accompaniments, too. For those who eschew meat, all is not lost. Eggplant Rollatini offers another very tasty accompaniment. A heart-healthy vegetarian black bean and rice dish served with ripe avocado offers good companionship, too, and is simple to prepare. And although Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon shine brightest at meals, the 2012 Beso de Dante brings its loving kiss and warm welcome when only a clean glass is available, so Buen Provecho!

Laura Catena grew up in the most renowned wine-making family of Mendoza, Argentina. Laura’s father Dr. Nicolás Catena was one of the first winery owners in Mendoza to realize Argentina’s enormous viticultural potential and to concentrate on producing quality rather than quantity in the vineyard and wine cellar. Many called him “loco,” yet four decades later the wine drinking world reveres Dr. Catena and applauds his enormous research and painstaking efforts to bring quality Argentine wines to the world market. There would be little clamor today for fine Malbec without Dr. Catena’s work. Fortunately, the apple does not fall far from the tree. Laura Catena has begun her own wine venture, Luca, and taken Argentine wine to an even higher level.

Laura Catena grew up in the most renowned wine-making family of Mendoza, Argentina. Laura’s father Dr. Nicolás Catena was one of the first winery owners in Mendoza to realize Argentina’s enormous viticultural potential and to concentrate on producing quality rather than quantity in the vineyard and wine cellar. Many called him “loco,” yet four decades later the wine drinking world reveres Dr. Catena and applauds his enormous research and painstaking efforts to bring quality Argentine wines to the world market. There would be little clamor today for fine Malbec without Dr. Catena’s work. Fortunately, the apple does not fall far from the tree. Laura Catena has begun her own wine venture, Luca, and taken Argentine wine to an even higher level.

Luca wines set themselves above their rivals by offering power, complexity and finesse all in one package. By the Catena family’s own admission “Laura is continually inspired by the synthesis of cultures in her own family, and this international inspiration infuses the style and quality of her wines.” Moreover, each Luca wine is the ultimate expression of its terroir and reflects the importance of expert vineyard management, skilled winemaking, and the quest for quality at any cost.