Viu Manet Gran Reserva Malbec

Viu Manet Gran Reserva Malbec is a varietal Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, the region whose high-altitude vineyards made the grape a national calling card. The label points to a full-bodied, dark-fruited red. For the specifics, expect what Mendoza Malbec of this style usually delivers: ripe blackberry, plum and black cherry, often with violet or dried-herb notes. The tannins are typically plush and rounded rather than gripping, and the acidity is moderate. The "Gran Reserva" designation suggests some oak ageing, which tends to add vanilla, cocoa, toasted spice or a little smoke to the fruit and lengthens the finish. Details such as the exact oak regime, ABV and vintage aren't given here, so check the bottle for them. At the table, the weight and dark fruit of this wine suit grilled and roasted red meat. Argentine-style asado, ribeye or skirt steak with chimichurri, lamb chops and braised short rib all have the richness to match the tannin. Beef empanadas, burgers with smoky or caramelised toppings, and slow-cooked stews work too. Mushroom dishes and hard aged cheeses are good vegetarian-leaning options. Very spicy or delicately flavoured dishes will clash with or be overwhelmed by a red this size, so keep it for hearty food. Serve it at roughly 16 to 18°C (60 to 65°F), which is cellar temperature and a little cooler than a warm room. At that range the fruit stays focused and the oak doesn't read as heavy. If the bottle has been stored somewhere warm, 20 to 30 minutes in the refrigerator will bring it back into range. A bottle with oak ageing generally opens up with air. Pour it into a decanter, or just a wide jug, for 30 to 60 minutes before serving. If you don't have one, give it the same time in the glass. A large-bowled red wine glass or a Bordeaux-style glass gives the aromas room to develop and directs the wine toward the middle of the palate. Wines in this style are generally built to drink in the near to medium term and are rarely made for long cellaring. The bottle should drink well on release, and a few years of careful storage, lying on its side somewhere cool, dark and steady, may soften the oak and tannin further. It isn't a wine to hold for decades, so open it when the meal calls for it.