Luca Beso de Dante Mendoza 2019

As an homage to the original Bordeaux blend of yesteryear, comprised of Malbec and Cabernet, the 2019 Luca Beso de Dante (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Franc) exudes flavor, power, structure, and length. Emanating from high altitude vineyards (6,000 feet or more), Luca’s 2019 Beso de Dante (meaning Dante’s Kiss) outperforms many classified Bordeaux and top California Meritage offerings. The 2019 Luca Beso de Dante offers a deep, nearly opaque purple robe, entrancing aromatics, and a mouthful of complex flavors. Blackberry, chocolate, cassis, mint, plum, and spicy wood tones emerge in the aroma and again on the palate. The wine’s deep and dense berry, clove, and dark chocolate flavors are steeped in firm tannins, the latter providing structure and a fresh, explosive finish. This is one kiss with youthful ardor that you won’t want to miss. Although enjoyable now with ample aeration, additional time in bottle will only increase the complexity and drinking pleasure of this top-notch Cabernet/Malbec blend. For optimal drinking pleasure we suggest decanting the racy 2019 “Dante’s Kiss” for an hour before serving at cool room temperature (58°-62° F). Anticipated maturity: 2024-2031. Enjoy!

In Argentina, there would be no doubt as to what to serve with the full-bodied complex 2019 Luca Beso de Dante. Beef, beef, and more beef would be the resounding choice. Beef would indeed be a fine choice, yet not just any cut of beef. Our preferences lean to pairing Luca’s Beso de Dante with the best Prime Rib au jus, Grilled Filet Mignon with Portabella Mushrooms, or Whole Beef Tenderloin encrusted with black pepper and herbs. Add au gratin potatoes and grilled carrots and Brussels sprouts and a match for beef lovers is made in heaven. Grilled Stuffed Veal Chops served with roasted Red Bliss potatoes and caramelized Brussels sprouts with pancetta provide another outstanding accompaniment to Luca’s 2019 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 and tasty lentil dishes offer additional gastronomic accompaniments. 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 2019 Beso de Dante will bring its loving kiss and warm welcome when only a clean glass awaits, 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. In fact, Catena was named The World’s Most Admired Wine Brand of 2020 by Drinks International Magazine. Clearly, there would be little clamor today for fine Malbec or any other premium Argentine wine without Dr. Catena’s work. Fortunately, the apple does not fall far from the tree. Laura Catena began her own wine venture, Luca, in 1997 and taken Argentine wine to an even higher level.

Until recently, Laura split her time between Mendoza and San Francisco where she practiced medicine as an Emergency Medicine Specialist, served as a university professor, and raised three children. But, her heart still rested with winemaking in Argentina where she became the driving force behind Luca. In Luca, named for Laura’s first-born son, Laura has realized her dream of creating small quantities of impeccably made Argentine wines from individual vineyards and terroirs. Made in true artisan fashion, each limited production of Luca wine hails from extraordinary fruit from very low-yield, high elevation, family-owned vineyards. Together with Luca’s celebrated viticulturist and winemaker, Luis Reginato, Laura created Beso de Dante (this month’s feature), an exquisite blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals the best that Bordeaux has to offer; Nico, a tiny production of Malbec from very old vines; world class Chardonnay (G Lot) that rivals the finest Meursault from Burgundy; as well as exceptional individual varietal offerings of Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Syrah.

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.