The ‘20 Alto Gualtallary Malbec.

A high-altitude 2020 Malbec from Alto Gualtallary, combining dark fruit, violet perfume, firm texture, and a clear mineral finish.

Tasting note

The exact 2020 listing describes a dark, aromatic, ripe Malbec with fresh red cherry and plum, delicate spice, mint, lavender, and violet perfume. The palate is creamy and juicy, with ample structure, soft sweet tannins, integrated oak, and a refreshing clear finish. That profile fits the high-altitude identity of Alto Gualtallary: ripe fruit is present, but the wine does not feel loose or heavy because acidity and firm tannin supply shape. The violet and lavender notes keep the nose lifted, while the plum and cherry core gives the palate generosity. Oak is present as a framing element rather than the main flavor, and the finish returns to fruit, spice, and mineral clarity. The result is a full-flavored Malbec with enough freshness for grilled food and enough texture for richer cuts.

The 2020 vintage

The 2020 identity is confirmed by the exact Wine Spies listing for Cuatro Alto Gualtallary Malbec. The producer’s technical sheet for the 4GL bottling records a vineyard planted in 2009 at 4,000 plants per hectare, 100% Malbec, natural-yeast fermentation, and 28 days of maceration on the skins. It specifies ageing in new 500-litre German oak barrels and a 5,000-litre French oak foudre, followed by eight months of bottle maturation. The same sheet lists 14% alcohol, 5.7 grams per litre of acidity, pH 3.8, and residual sugar below 1.8 grams per litre. These documented cellar and composition details explain the 2020’s combination of ripe fruit, rounded texture, oak spice, and firm freshness.

About 4 Gatos Locos

4 Gatos Locos works from a 20-hectare vineyard in Alto Gualtallary, one of Argentina’s high-altitude Uco Valley sites. The producer site identifies the planting as 100% Malbec and describes natural-yeast fermentation, extended skin contact, and maturation across large-format oak. The technical sheet names a 2009 planting, 4,000 vines per hectare, 500-litre new German oak barrels, and a 5,000-litre French oak foudre, followed by eight months in bottle. The 2020 listing identifies the wine as Cuatro Alto Gualtallary Malbec. This is a site-led style: concentrated fruit and violet perfume are supported by acidity, mineral drive, and tannin rather than made soft by sweetness alone.

From the cellar: pair with

Grilled skirt steak with chimichurri

The wine’s plum, cherry, violet, and spice character has enough concentration for grilled beef, while its firm tannin and clear acidity cut through the steak’s richness. Parsley, oregano, and garlic in the chimichurri echo the Malbec’s mint, lavender, and herbal lift without masking its mineral finish.

Lamb empanadas with cumin and roasted pepper

The pastry and lamb bring savory richness that suits the wine’s creamy, juicy palate, while cumin and roasted pepper connect with its delicate spice and ripe dark fruit. The wine’s soft sweet tannins handle the browned crust, and its freshness keeps the filling from feeling heavy.

Spiced eggplant with lentils and smoked yogurt

Roasted eggplant and lentils provide a deep, earthy base for the wine’s plum, violet, and mineral notes. Smoked yogurt picks up the integrated oak and dark spice, while the Malbec’s acidity refreshes the palate between bites and keeps the pairing balanced despite the dish’s richness.

Service & cellaring

Serving Temp: serve at 60-64°F (16-18°C), then adjust in the glass to the bottle's balance and your preference.
Decanting: begin with a 30-45 minute decant if opening now, then taste and adjust air cautiously.
Cellar Storage: store around 55°F (13°C) with stable humidity, away from heat, vibration, and repeated temperature swings.

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Frequently Asked

What does the 2020 Cuatro Malbec taste like?

The exact 2020 listing describes fresh red cherry and plum with delicate spice, mint, lavender, and violets. Its palate is creamy and juicy, supported by ample structure, soft sweet tannins, integrated oak, and a refreshing clear finish. In practice, that means a full-flavored Malbec that feels ripe but not loose: the floral and herbal notes keep the nose lifted, while acidity and mineral clarity hold the dark fruit together through the finish.

When should I drink this 2020?

The canonical CAI full drinking arc is 2021-2030. Within that arc, the peak window is 2023-2026. The full arc is the broader period the wine may drink well; the peak window is when it is most likely to show its best balance. Storage, fill level, cork condition, and preference can shift the decision. Taste before adding more air or holding the rest.

How is the wine made?

The producer technical sheet records 100% Malbec from a vineyard planted in 2009 at 4,000 plants per hectare. Fermentation uses natural yeast with 28 days of skin maceration. The wine is matured in new 500-litre German oak barrels and a 5,000-litre French oak foudre, then held for eight months in bottle. The sheet lists 14% alcohol, 5.7 grams per litre of acidity, pH 3.8, and residual sugar below 1.8 grams per litre.

What should I serve with Alto Gualtallary Malbec?

Choose food with enough savory depth to meet the wine’s ripe fruit and firm texture. Grilled skirt steak with chimichurri, lamb empanadas with cumin, and spiced eggplant with lentils all work because they echo the wine’s herbal, dark-fruit, and mineral character. Serve around 60 to 64F and give the bottle a short decant. Avoid very sweet sauces, which can make the wine’s ripe profile feel heavier than it is.