{"title":"Luca","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"luca-syrah-750ml","title":"Luca Syrah","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLuca Syrah\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Mendoza, Argentina red wine made from old-vine Syrah co-fermented with Viognier, bottled at 13.5–14% ABV in a 750ml format. Sourced from Argentina's oldest massal-selection Syrah vines — originating from Rhône Valley cuttings brought to the country in 1955 — this wine has earned 93 points from James Suckling and landed on Wine Spectator's Top 100 list three times (2008, 2014, and 2021).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.5–14%  |  Origin: Mendoza, Argentina  |  Varietal: Syrah with Viognier  |  Producer: Luca Wines (Laura Catena)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLuca Wines is the personal project of Laura Catena, daughter of legendary Argentine winemaker Nicolás Catena Zapata. The Syrah vines used in this bottling trace back to a double massal selection developed by viticulturist Luis Laborde, who brought original cuttings from France's Rhône Valley over fifty years ago — making them the oldest known massal Syrah selection in Argentina. Each vintage is aged for 12 months in a combination of 50% new French oak and 50% second-use French oak barrels, a regimen that integrates structure without overwhelming the fruit. The inclusion of Viognier in the blend follows the classic Côte-Rôtie tradition of using a white varietal to lift aromatics and stabilize color in Syrah-dominant wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with ripe cassis and blackberry jam before moving into deeper layers of cigar leaf, leather, and smoked meat. Baking spice and toasty oak emerge with time in the glass, joined by subtle forest floor and charcoal notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate enters rich and mouthfilling, with concentrated black cherry and dried blueberry giving way to cracked black pepper and cloves at mid-palate. Bitter chocolate and tea leaf complexity build toward a full-bodied peak, supported by very fine, tight tannins that provide structure without astringency.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and lingering with persistent dark fruit and a smoky, peppery trail. The tannins remain polished through the close, leaving a clean earthy impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Luca Syrah\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine is best served at 60–65°F with 30 minutes of decanting to let the oak and fruit harmonize. It drinks beautifully on its own but has the weight and spice to hold its ground in food pairing. A classic \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e variation using a young, simpler Syrah may appeal to adventurous drinkers, but this particular bottling rewards the glass far more than the cocktail shaker. For sangria-style punches, the dark fruit and spice profile anchors a \u003cstrong\u003eSpanish-style red sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e with blackberries and cinnamon. A simple \u003cstrong\u003ered wine spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e with sparkling water and an orange peel also works as a warm-weather aperitif, though neat or lightly chilled remains the ideal serve.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates Rhône-style reds from unexpected origins\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a steak dinner with a bold, structured Argentine red\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding a critically acclaimed bottle to a New World Syrah vertical tasting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelebrating a milestone occasion with a wine that has Top 100 recognition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Luca Syrah taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Luca Syrah delivers concentrated blackberry, black cherry, and dried blueberry flavors layered with cracked black pepper, bitter chocolate, and clove spice. The tannins are fine-grained and the body is full, with a long, smoky finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Luca Syrah compare to Trapiche Iscay Syrah?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are premium Mendoza Syrahs blended with Viognier, but Luca draws from Argentina's oldest Rhône-origin massal selection vines, giving it a distinct heritage claim. Trapiche Iscay sources from Uco Valley vineyards and tends toward a slightly more modern, polished style, while Luca leans into earthier, more Old World complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Luca Syrah good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — this is a wine built for contemplative drinking, with enough tannin structure, aromatic depth, and finishing length to reward undivided attention. A brief decant opens up its layered spice and smoke.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Luca Syrah made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Luca Syrah is produced by Luca Wines in Mendoza, Argentina, under the direction of Laura Catena. The grapes come from old massal-selection Syrah vines originally propagated from Rhône Valley cuttings brought to Argentina in the 1950s by viticulturist Luis Laborde.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Luca Syrah?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled Argentine-style short ribs complement its smoky depth. Lamb merguez sausage echoes the wine's peppery spice. Aged Gouda or Manchego cheese matches its toasty oak and dark fruit. Mushroom risotto highlights its earthy, forest-floor character. Dark chocolate desserts mirror its bitter cocoa finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Luca Syrah come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Luca Syrah is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Luca Syrah worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Luca Syrah positions as a premium Argentine red, competing favorably with Rhône-style wines at significantly higher price points. Its multiple 90+ point scores from Wine Spectator, James Suckling, Robert Parker, and Wine Enthusiast, along with three appearances on Wine Spectator's Top 100 list, place it firmly in strong-value territory for its quality tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Luca Syrah?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo other Argentine Syrah can claim vine material this old or this directly linked to the Rhône Valley — the double massal selection developed by Luis Laborde in the 1950s is unique in the country. That heritage translates into a wine with uncommon depth and complexity for its region, earning consistent critical recognition: 93 points from James Suckling, 90+ from Robert Parker and Wine Enthusiast, and repeated inclusion in Wine Spectator's annual Top 100. The co-fermentation with Viognier and judicious French oak aging add finesse without masking the vineyard's voice. For drinkers seeking a Southern Hemisphere Syrah with genuine Old World DNA, this remains one of Argentina's most compelling bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Luca","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836709433513,"sku":"21360","price":23.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/luca-syrah__36269.jpg?v=1730467321"},{"product_id":"luca-old-vine-malbec","title":"Luca Old Vine Malbec","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLuca Old Vine Malbec\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Malbec from Mendoza's Uco Valley, Argentina, bottled at 14% ABV in a 750ml format. Named #21 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2021, this expression draws from vines averaging 45 years old across prized vineyard sites in La Consulta, Paraje Altamira, and Pampa El Cepillo — earning it a reputation as one of Argentina's most consistently acclaimed Malbecs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina  |  Varietal: 100% Malbec (Old Vine)  |  Winery: Luca Winery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLuca Winery was founded in 1999 by Laura Catena, a fourth-generation winemaker and one of the most influential figures in modern Argentine viticulture. Luca holds the distinction of being the first Argentine winery to bottle all of its Malbec exclusively from old vines — a philosophical commitment to the genetic diversity and depth that mature plantings deliver. The fruit is hand-harvested, then aged for 14 months in a combination of 35% new French oak barrels and 65% second-use French oak barrels, a ratio designed to preserve the vineyard's character rather than mask it with heavy wood influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with concentrated blackberry and black cherry cola, followed by layers of cocoa, dried spice, and a distinctive floral lift of violet. There is real aromatic complexity here — the kind of layered fragrance that signals serious vineyard age.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, ripe dark berry fruit hits with impressive density, quickly joined by black licorice and baking spice through the mid-palate. Lively acidity gives the wine lift and definition, preventing the depth from feeling heavy. The oak integration is restrained, adding structure without overwhelming the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full and muscular, with lingering notes of espresso, dark plum, and a faint mineral edge. The tannins are firm but polished, carrying the finish to a satisfying, extended close.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Luca Old Vine Malbec\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBest served at 60–65°F in a large-bowled glass to let the aromatics open fully; thirty minutes of decanting rewards with additional complexity. A natural partner for food, this Malbec's structure and acidity make it remarkably versatile at the table. Pair it with \u003cstrong\u003egrilled ribeye\u003c\/strong\u003e for a classic Argentine match that mirrors the wine's weight. Try it alongside \u003cstrong\u003ebraised short ribs\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the cocoa and spice notes find a savory echo in the braise. It also stands up well to \u003cstrong\u003eaged hard cheeses like Manchego\u003c\/strong\u003e, whose nuttiness complements the wine's dark fruit concentration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccompanying a traditional Argentine asado or any grilled red meat dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious wine enthusiast who appreciates old-vine character\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a Mendoza vertical collection across vintages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eServing as the centerpiece red at a curated tasting of high-altitude Malbecs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Luca Old Vine Malbec taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers concentrated blackberry, plum, and black cherry layered with cocoa, violet, and baking spice, supported by firm tannins and bright acidity. The finish is full-bodied with lingering espresso and dark fruit notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Luca Old Vine Malbec compare to Mendel Malbec?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines draw from old vines in Mendoza, but Mendel sources from estate vines planted as early as 1928 and ages in Taransaud Burgundy barrels, producing a more Burgundian, silky profile. Luca tends toward greater fruit density and spice, reflecting its Uco Valley terroir and younger-average vine age of around 45 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Luca Old Vine Malbec good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its layered aromatics, balanced acidity, and polished tannins make it a compelling wine to drink without food, particularly after a brief decant to let the complexity unfold.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Luca Old Vine Malbec made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Luca Old Vine Malbec is produced by Luca Winery in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina, with fruit sourced from vineyards in La Consulta, Paraje Altamira, and Pampa El Cepillo — all recognized sub-regions prized for high-altitude viticulture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Luca Old Vine Malbec?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled ribeye or flank steak highlights the wine's dark fruit and spice. Braised lamb shanks complement its weight and tannin structure. Empanadas with a spiced beef filling echo the cocoa and baking spice notes. Aged Gouda or Manchego offer a nutty contrast to the concentrated berry character. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the wine's cocoa and espresso undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Luca Old Vine Malbec come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Luca Old Vine Malbec worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Luca Old Vine Malbec positions as a premium Argentine Malbec, and its consistent critical acclaim — including 95 points from James Suckling and a spot on Wine Spectator's Top 100 — suggests it delivers quality well above its price tier relative to comparably scored wines from other regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Luca Old Vine Malbec?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLuca's defining commitment — bottling exclusively from old vines — is not merely a marketing distinction; it is a winemaking philosophy rooted in the belief that mature root systems and genetic diversity produce wines of greater depth and grace. The 45-year average vine age translates directly into the concentration and complexity in the glass. Consistent recognition from Wine Spectator (93 points and #21 Top 100 in 2021) and James Suckling (95 points across multiple vintages) confirms this is not a one-vintage success but a reliable benchmark for high-altitude Argentine Malbec. For anyone seeking a wine that reflects the full potential of Mendoza's Uco Valley old vines, few bottles make the case as convincingly.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Luca","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44839075774633,"sku":"37844","price":36.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Luca-Old-Vine-Malbec__58450.jpg?v=1730516835"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/luca.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}