2009 Tikal Mendoza, Argentina 'Patriota'

About This Wine

Ernesto Catena was born to make wine.

Once you’ve sampled his work, you’ll have no doubt about that. Catena is a young Argentine winemaker, but beyond that, he is a createur du vine. The son of renowned vintner Nicolas Catena Zapata, he has developed great love for the place where he was born, Mendoza, and for the vineyards he explored as a child, when he was passionately learning the alchemy and art of making a great wine.

We love Catena’s Tikal wines, particularly the blend of Bonarda and Malbec known as “Patriota.” It has the drive, zest, extravagance and strength characteristic of the two varieties, with hints of a wine from the “New World.”

In other words, it’s very fruitful and exudes an impression of sweetness, even though it’s fermented dry. To lend added complexity, Catena selected a mix of French and American oak barrels for aging. Take a sip, and savor Ernesto Catena’s winemaking style.

About Red Blend

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:60% Bonarda & 40% Malbec
• Grape Source:Mendoza Growing Region of Argentina
• Aromas & Flavors:Bright Raspberry, Cherry, Baking Spice and Cocoa
• Aging Vessels:Assorted French and American Oak Barrels
• When to Drink:Now Through 2015
• Food Pairing Suggestionbeef or pork dishes, or smoked ham.

Member Ratings

Expert Ratings

Recipes.

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  Turkey Empanadas These tasty turnovers or hot pockets match well with Syrah, Italian red wines, or white wines that have not been over-exposed to oak. This recipe makes 10 empanadas. Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Pinot Noir Sauce Try this flavorful sauce over lamb or prime rib, and serve with Pinot Noir, Malbec or a red blend... Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  French Lamb Shank Stew With White Beans This recipe, from "The Mauna Loa Macadamia Cooking Treasury," matches wonderfully with Malbec, Merlot Sangiovese or Rhone red blends. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
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  Garden Tomato Pasta With Wine And Basil Try this tasty recipe with either featured red wine selection with Syrah/Shiraz, Zinfandel or red blends. It makes 8 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Mustard Crusted Rack Of Lamb Try this tasty recipe, which serves 4 or more, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah or a red blend containing any of the aforementioned varieties... Get The Recipe
  

  Pork Chops With Blueberry Sauce This recipe makes 4 servings, and matches wonderfully with Syrah/Shiraz, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Merlot and red blends... Get The Recipe
  

  Quick And Easy Fagole And Escarole We tried this recipe and loved it - for three reasons: 1. it tastes great; 2. it's good for you; and 3. it matches beautifully with either white or red wine! We suggest serving it with French or Italian bread... Get The Recipe
  

  Santa Maria Style Beef Grill Since so many wines that we feature come from California's Central Coast, we thought it would be nice to share a uniquely-Central Coast recipe. It makes 6 servings... Get The Recipe
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  Moroccan Lamb Tangine Try this tasty recipe, which makes 6 servings, with Shiraz or a red blend. MOROCCAN LAMB TANGINE Ingredients... Get The Recipe
  

  Maytag Bleu T Bone Steaks We decided to tap the "Born to Grill" cookbook for this amazingly flavorful recipe for the summer. It serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Boneless Leg Of Lamb This recipe, developed by the late James Beard, matches beautifully with Shiraz (a.k.a. Syrah), Shiraz/Cabernet blends and Merlot. It serves 6-8... Get The Recipe
  

  Garlic Chicken Skewers Here's a low-fat recipe that's loaded with flavor. It serves 4, and matches beautifully with Sangiovese or... Get The Recipe
  

  Beef Rib Eye With Sweet Onion Topping This dish pairs beautifully with Syrah (a.k.a. Shiraz), as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and red blends. This recipe makes 4 servings Get The Recipe
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  Tomato Pesto Pasta A wonderful match with Cabernet Sauvignon, this recipe helps bring out the fruitful quality of the wine. It also matches nicely with other red wines, and serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Pan Fried Lamb Chops This recipe, which makes 4 servings, features flavors that can be enjoyed with virtually any red wine. Turn it into a complete meal with a side dish jasmine rice. Get The Recipe
  

  Pork Tenderloin With Tart Cherry Port And Caraway Sauce This delicious recipe from Sonoma County's J. Fritz Winery matches beautifully with almost any red wine. It makes 4 to 6 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Butternut Squash Soup From Executive Chef Linda Kittler of Sonoma County's Valley of the Moon Winery comes this delicious recipe that pairs perfectly with Syrah/Shiraz, as well as various red blends. It serves 10. Get The Recipe