Tikal Jubilo

Tikal Jubilo is a 750ml Argentine red blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon bottled at 14.5% ABV from Mendoza's Uco Valley. Awarded 94 points by James Suckling and ranked #66 on his Top 100 Wines of Argentina 2024, this expression from certified organic vineyards in Gualtallary—Uco's most acclaimed sub-appellation—delivers serious concentration and complexity.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina  |  Blend: 60% Malbec / 40% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: Ernesto Catena Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Tikal is the project of Ernesto Catena, a member of Argentina's most prominent winemaking dynasty. The Jubilo bottling draws its fruit from certified organic vineyards in Gualtallary, a high-altitude district within the Uco Valley known for mineral-rich alluvial soils and wide diurnal temperature swings. Grapes are hand-harvested, and roughly 15% of the Cabernet Sauvignon is fermented as whole bunches—a technique that contributes structural tannin and aromatic lift. The wine ages for 16 months in a combination of 70% French and 30% American oak barrels. All Tikal wines carry sustainable certification through Bodegas de Argentina.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Deep blackcurrant and dark berry fruit lead, followed by layers of cedar, tobacco, and a whisper of aniseed. Subtle oak-driven spice and hints of mint round out the nose.

Taste: The entry is plush with black cherry liqueur and ripe red currants, building through a concentrated mid-palate of berry jam and rosemary. Dark spice and a thread of black tea add savory depth toward the peak, while the whole-bunch fermentation lends a fine-grained tannic backbone.

Finish: Medium-long and textured, with lingering notes of tree bark, blackcurrant, and toasty oak. The interplay between fruit density and subtle herbal character keeps the finish engaging.

How to Drink Tikal Jubilo

Jubilo rewards a classic pour—serve at 60–65°F in a large-bowled glass and allow 20 to 30 minutes of air to let the whole-bunch aromatics unfold. A brief decant amplifies the mid-palate fruit. While primarily a wine built for the table, its bold structure also works in wine-forward mixed drinks: a Sangria Roja benefits from the concentrated dark-berry base; a Kalimotxo gains unexpected depth from Jubilo's spice and tannin; and a New York Sour (as the red wine float) picks up complexity from the cedar and blackcurrant notes.

Best For

• Pairing with a wood-fired Argentine asado or grilled red meats
• Gifting a Malbec enthusiast looking beyond single-varietal bottlings
• Opening at a dinner party to spark conversation about Uco Valley terroir
• Building a cellar position in premium Argentine blends

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tikal Jubilo taste like? Jubilo leads with rich blackcurrant and black cherry flavors, supported by rosemary, dark spice, and a thread of black tea. The oak aging adds cedar and tobacco undertones without masking the fruit.

How does Jubilo compare to premium Mendoza Malbec bottlings? Where a straight Malbec from Mendoza typically leans heavily on plush dark fruit and chocolate, Jubilo's 40% Cabernet Sauvignon component adds firmer tannin structure, herbal complexity, and greater aging potential. The whole-bunch fermentation of part of the Cabernet further distinguishes it from conventional blends in the region.

Is Jubilo good for sipping on its own? Absolutely—its concentration and layered aromatics make it a compelling wine to drink without food, especially after a short decant to open up the mid-palate fruit and spice.

Where is Tikal Jubilo made? Jubilo is produced by Ernesto Catena Vineyards from certified organic fruit grown in Gualtallary, a prestigious sub-appellation within the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina.

What foods pair well with Tikal Jubilo? Grilled beef short ribs echo the wine's smoky oak character. Braised lamb shanks with rosemary mirror the herbal mid-palate. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego complement the tannin structure. Dark-chocolate desserts align with the blackcurrant finish. Roasted eggplant or Portobello mushrooms work for a vegetarian pairing, matching the wine's earthy depth.

What sizes does Jubilo come in? Tikal Jubilo is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Jubilo worth the price? Jubilo positions as a premium Argentine red blend, sitting above everyday Malbecs but well below cult-level Mendoza wines. Its 94-point James Suckling score and certified organic vineyard sourcing place it in strong value territory for the quality tier.

Why Tikal Jubilo?

Jubilo's defining edge is its sourcing from certified organic vineyards in Gualtallary, a district that consistently produces some of the most mineral-driven, age-worthy reds in Mendoza. The partial whole-bunch fermentation of the Cabernet Sauvignon—an uncommon technique in Argentine winemaking—adds structural nuance that sets it apart from typical Malbec-Cabernet blends. A 94-point rating from James Suckling and a place on his 2024 Top 100 Wines of Argentina list confirm that this is more than a brand story; it delivers in the glass. For drinkers seeking an Argentine red with both power and precision, Jubilo makes a well-substantiated case.