Tikal Patriota

Tikal Patriota is an organic Argentine red blend of 60% Bonarda and 40% Malbec from Mendoza's Uco Valley, bottled at 13.5–13.8% ABV in a 750ml format. Awarded 92 points by James Suckling, Patriota stands out for its Bonarda-dominant structure—an uncommon lead varietal in premium Argentine wine—and its commitment to biodynamic farming in one of Mendoza's most celebrated sub-regions.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5–13.8%  |  Origin: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina  |  Red Blend (60% Bonarda / 40% Malbec)  |  Producer: Ernesto Catena Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Tikal is the project of Ernesto Catena, a member of one of Argentina's most prominent winemaking families. The grapes for Patriota are sourced from the La Consulta vineyard in the Uco Valley, a high-altitude sub-region prized for its wide diurnal temperature swings and mineral-rich soils. All fruit is hand-harvested and farmed following biodynamic and organic practices, certified sustainable through Bodegas de Argentina. After fermentation, the wine ages for 12 months in a mix of 70% French and 30% American oak barrels—30% new, with the remainder second- and third-use—allowing the fruit to integrate gently without heavy oak dominance.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright cherry and crushed raspberry, followed by dried herbs and subtle wildflowers. A faint undercurrent of spice and wood emerges with time in the glass.

Taste: The entry is generous and fruit-forward, with layers of raspberry and blackberry meeting a cocoa-tinged mid-palate. The Bonarda contributes deep, plush body while the Malbec provides structure and dark-fruit concentration, keeping the wine balanced despite its richness.

Finish: Medium-long, with baking spice and a whisper of dried herbs lingering behind soft, ripe tannins. The oak influence is measured, leaving a clean, fruit-driven close.

How to Drink Patriota

Patriota drinks best at cellar temperature (60–65°F), poured into a large-bowled glass to let its aromatics open fully. A brief 20–30 minute decant will soften the tannins and reveal more complexity. While primarily a food wine, it can be enjoyed on its own. For red wine cocktails, its generous fruit works in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), where the berry sweetness plays against the bitter carbonation; a classic Sangria, where its dark fruit and spice provide a bold base without needing much added sweetener; or a New York Sour, substituting Patriota as a float over bourbon and lemon for a layered, berry-rich finish.

Best For

• Weekend dinners centered around grilled red meats or braised short ribs
• Introducing a wine enthusiast to Argentina's underrated Bonarda grape
• Gifting someone who appreciates organic and biodynamic winemaking
• Building an Argentine wine collection beyond standard Malbec

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tikal Patriota taste like? Patriota delivers ripe raspberry and blackberry fruit layered with cocoa and dried herbs, framed by soft tannins and a baking-spice finish. It is full-bodied yet balanced, with oak that complements rather than overwhelms the fruit.

How does Patriota compare to a straight Mendoza Malbec? While most premium Mendoza reds lead with 100% Malbec, Patriota flips the script with 60% Bonarda, which adds a plush, juicy body and slightly brighter berry character. The result is a rounder, more fruit-forward wine that trades some of Malbec's tannic grip for supple drinkability.

Is Patriota good for sipping on its own? Yes—its generous fruit, balanced tannins, and moderate alcohol make it approachable without food, though a brief decant helps it open up and show its full range of aromas.

Where is Tikal Patriota made? Patriota is produced by Ernesto Catena Vineyards in the Uco Valley, a high-altitude wine region within Mendoza, Argentina. The grapes come specifically from the La Consulta vineyard, renowned for its elevation and terroir-driven character.

What foods pair well with Patriota? Argentine-style grilled steak (asado) is the natural match, as the wine's tannins cut through the fat. Slow-braised lamb shanks echo its herbal notes. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego complement its cocoa undertones. Roasted eggplant or portobello mushrooms work for a vegetarian pairing, and dark chocolate desserts mirror the wine's subtle cocoa and berry finish.

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

Is Patriota worth the price? Patriota positions as a mid-premium Argentine red, competing with other oak-aged Mendoza blends in its range. Its biodynamic farming, hand-harvest approach, and consistent critical scores from publications like James Suckling (92 points), Vinous (91 points), and Wine & Spirits (91 points) represent strong value for a wine of this quality tier.

Why Patriota?

What sets Patriota apart is its rare emphasis on Bonarda as the majority grape in a premium Argentine blend—a deliberate move by Ernesto Catena to showcase a varietal that thrives in Mendoza yet rarely headlines a serious wine. The biodynamic and organic farming at La Consulta reflects a philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the Uco Valley's high-altitude terroir to drive the wine's character. Consistent recognition across multiple critics—92 points from James Suckling, 91 from both Vinous and Wine & Spirits, and 90 from Wine Advocate—confirms that this is not an experimental curiosity but a reliably well-made wine. For drinkers looking beyond conventional Malbec, Patriota is one of the most compelling ways to explore what else Mendoza can do.