Tikal Natural 2018 Tikal

Tikal Natural 2018 – Pure expression of Andean biodynamics

A no-compromise cuvée from certified biodynamic vineyards

Tikal Natural 2018 represents the most radical and genuine side of Ernesto Catena’s philosophy. This wine is made from Malbec and Syrah grapes grown under certified biodynamic practices, with no synthetic chemicals and no added sulfites. It’s a bold statement: to show how the identity of a terroir can shine through, unfiltered, from vineyard to glass. The wine is spontaneously fermented and undergoes extended maceration, revealing a character that is alive, vibrant, and ever-evolving.

Vineyard philosophy and cellar approach

The grapes come from parcels in the heart of the Uco Valley, at over 1,100 meters above sea level. Here, clean mountain air, rocky soils, and sharp diurnal ranges create ideal conditions for healthy, concentrated fruit. The biodynamic farming promotes soil vitality and vine balance, with minimal intervention and great respect for lunar rhythms. In the cellar, Tikal Natural 2018 is vinified without added sulfites, using gentle maceration and aging in neutral barrels to preserve varietal purity.

Tasting notes

Deep ruby with purple reflections. On the nose, it reveals ripe plum, violet, black pepper, and earthy tones. The palate is energetic and fresh, with well-integrated tannins and a savory, slightly wild finish.

Food pairings

A great match with spicy and flavorful dishes like lamb tagine, roasted vegetable couscous, or lentil-mushroom veggie burgers. Also excellent with washed-rind cheeses and rustic, natural cuisine.

Technical sheet

• Appellation: Mendoza, Argentina

• Vintage: 2018

• Grapes: 60% Malbec, 40% Syrah

• Farming: Certified biodynamic

• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation, no added sulfites

• Aging: 10 months in used oak barrels

• Alcohol: 13.5%

• Production: Limited

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Tikal – Artistic and biodynamic vision in the heart of Mendoza

A project by Ernesto Catena: art, nature, and wine

Tikal is located in Vista Flores, in the heart of Argentina’s renowned Uco Valley in Mendoza. Founded by Ernesto Catena, son of famed winemaker Nicolás Catena, this winery is the result of a vision that merges creativity, ecological awareness, and biodynamic philosophy. Ernesto infused the project with his passion for art, nature, and Latin American identity, creating a winery with a strong, unconventional personality that expresses the Andean terroir with distinct character.

In the vineyard: harmony with nature

Tikal’s vineyards, planted between 1,000 and 1,200 meters above sea level, are farmed according to biodynamic and organic principles, without synthetic chemicals. The vines grow in a highly biodiverse environment, in tune with lunar cycles and cosmic rhythms. Interventions are minimal, aimed at preserving the natural balance of the soil and allowing the Andean terroir to express its full power. Altitude, sharp diurnal range, and poor soils ensure grapes of great concentration and freshness, ideal for age-worthy, intense wines.

In the cellar: purity, intuition, identity

Winemaking at Tikal follows a minimal intervention approach, with attention to each micro-parcel. Fermentations are often spontaneous in stainless steel or concrete, and aging takes place in oak barrels of various origins and sizes. The cellar was built following the golden ratio, promoting the site’s natural energy. Tikal wines are crafted with personal style—elegant yet powerful—with labels that convey stories and visual identity inspired by pre-Columbian cultures and Andean mythology.

Signature cuvées

Tikal Amorio is a pure Malbec—juicy and deep—while Tikal Patriota blends Malbec and Bonarda, delivering vibrant spice and freshness. Tikal Natural, a certified biodynamic wine, is honest and alive, vinified with no added sulfites. For structure and complexity, Tikal Júbilo offers a rich Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon blend—dense, balsamic, and characterful.

Global reach and holistic vision

Tikal wines are distributed worldwide, standing as ambassadors of Argentina’s new viticulture, rooted in sustainability, fruit purity, and cultural identity. The estate is also an immersive experience: visitors can explore the vineyards on horseback, walk through living labyrinths, admire open-air artwork, and connect with a landscape where nature and spirituality coexist. Tikal is, in every way, a holistic vision of wine and life.