Ernesto Catena Animal Malbec

Ernesto Catena Animal Malbec is an organic 100% Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This single-varietal red has earned a 90-point score from James Suckling (2021 vintage), reflecting the consistency of fruit sourced from high-altitude vineyard sites across Agrelo, Vista Flores, La Consulta, and Tupungato.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Mendoza, Argentina  |  Varietal: 100% Malbec  |  Producer: Ernesto Catena Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Ernesto Catena Vineyards is led by Ernesto Catena, a member of Argentina's most prominent winemaking family. The estate is committed to organic and biodynamic agriculture, with all wines carrying organic certification — a distinction the winery has also helped neighboring producers achieve. The Animal Malbec spends eight months in a combination of 50% French oak and 50% American oak barrels, all of second and third use, allowing fruit expression to lead rather than heavy wood influence. Grapes are drawn from multiple sub-regions across Mendoza at varying altitudes, contributing complexity and layered character to the final blend.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with cocoa-dusted blackberries and ripe raspberries, followed by flashes of strawberry jam. Subtle spice and a faintly green, herbal quality add dimension beneath the dark fruit.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with plum and dark berry flavors meeting milk chocolate at the mid-palate. Medium-bodied, the wine carries walnut husk and leather notes toward a focused, compact core. A touch of herbal character keeps the profile from becoming one-dimensional.

Finish: Elegant tannins and mouth-watering acidity extend the finish with lingering chocolate and berry flavors. The oak integration is restrained, leaving a clean, balanced close with moderate length.

How to Drink Animal Malbec

Serve at 60–65°F for the best expression of fruit and structure. A few minutes of air in the glass or a brief decant opens up the chocolate and berry aromatics nicely.

Wine Spritz: The dark fruit and moderate tannins hold up well when combined with soda water and a citrus twist for a lighter warm-weather pour. Sangria: The ripe berry profile and organic fruit character make it a strong base for a red sangria with stone fruits and cinnamon. Kalimotxo: The medium body and juicy acidity pair surprisingly well in this classic Basque red-wine-and-cola combination.

Best For

• Introducing someone to high-quality Argentine Malbec without overwhelming tannins
• Weeknight steak dinners that call for an organic red with real character
• Gifting a wine lover who values sustainable and biodynamic farming practices
• Building an approachable South American section in a home wine collection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Animal Malbec taste like? It delivers juicy dark berry and plum flavors layered with milk chocolate, leather, and subtle herbal notes, all framed by elegant tannins and lively acidity. The profile is medium-bodied and fruit-driven rather than heavily oaked.

How does Animal Malbec compare to Catena Zapata Malbec? Both wines originate from the broader Catena family and source fruit from Mendoza's high-altitude vineyards, but Ernesto Catena Vineyards operates independently with a strict organic certification across all production. The Animal Malbec tends toward a juicier, more approachable style with restrained oak from second- and third-use barrels, whereas Catena Zapata's flagship Malbec typically shows more concentrated extraction and new oak influence.

Is Animal Malbec good for everyday drinking? Its medium body, balanced tannins, and fruit-forward character make it an excellent everyday red that drinks well on its own or alongside a wide range of foods without demanding extended decanting or special occasion framing.

Where is Animal Malbec made? It is produced by Ernesto Catena Vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina, with grapes sourced from organically farmed vineyards across the sub-regions of Agrelo, Vista Flores, La Consulta, and Tupungato — all situated at high altitude in the foothills of the Andes.

What foods pair well with Animal Malbec? Grilled flank steak benefits from the wine's tannin structure and berry richness. Empanadas with spiced beef mirror its herbal and dark fruit notes. Dark chocolate desserts echo the cocoa aromatics. Aged Gouda or Manchego complement the leather and walnut husk undertones. Roasted lamb with rosemary matches the wine's savory, slightly green spice.

What sizes does Animal Malbec come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Animal Malbec worth the price? It positions as a value-driven, entry-to-mid-tier Malbec that punches above its price point thanks to organic certification, multi-sub-region sourcing, and eight months of oak aging — features typically associated with more expensive Mendoza reds.

Why Animal Malbec?

Full organic certification across the entire Ernesto Catena portfolio is the clearest differentiator here — a commitment that extends beyond marketing into measurable agricultural practice, including helping neighboring vineyards achieve the same standard. The dual French and American oak program using only second- and third-use barrels shows deliberate restraint, prioritizing fruit integrity over vanilla-laden wood character that can dominate lesser Malbecs. Consistent 89–90 point scores from James Suckling across multiple vintages confirm that quality holds year after year. For anyone seeking an authentic, sustainably produced Mendoza Malbec with genuine regional identity, this wine delivers without pretension.