# El Cabrito (2024)

- **Producer:** Bodega Santa Julia
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** Mendoza, Argentina
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blackcurrant, raspberry, blackberry, herbaceous, forest floor, wet leaves

## About this wine

El Cabrito, meaning 'the kid goat' in Spanish, is named after Panchito, a beloved farm animal on the Santa Julia organic estate in Mendoza. Panchito was a birthday gift for Julia Zuccardi's niece and became an inseparable part of the farm, symbolizing the estate's commitment to biodiversity. Bodega Santa Julia is a pioneer in sustainability and the largest owner of certified organic vineyards in Argentina. It was also the first Argentine winery to achieve Fair for Life certification, reflecting its dedication to social responsibility and community programs for its workers.

## Interesting facts

- Named after Panchito, a real kid goat gifted to Julia Zuccardi's niece, who became a beloved fixture on the organic estate.
- Bodega Santa Julia is the largest owner of certified organic vineyards in Argentina, spanning 988 acres.
- It was the first winery in Argentina to achieve the rigorous Fair for Life social responsibility certification.

## Food pairing

This robust, natural Cabernet Sauvignon pairs exceptionally well with rich, savory dishes that match its medium-to-full body and grippy tannins. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the fat of grilled meats like ribeye and pork chops, while its intense primary fruit flavors complement the earthy sweetness of roasted root vegetables and the depth of aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

Sourced from certified organic estate vineyards in Maipú, Mendoza, the grapes are harvested entirely by hand. In the cellar, the must undergoes maceration and fermentation using only native, wild yeasts. Adhering to strict natural winemaking principles, no corrective acids or additives are used, and absolutely no sulfur dioxide is added during the process. The wine is completely unoaked to preserve pure, primary varietal fruit expression, and is bottled unfined and unfiltered, maintaining a natural, slight turbidity.