At over a thousand metres above sea level, where the air of the Andes is so clear that the peaks seem within reach. Here, among the historic rows of Las Compuertas, the Cittanina project takes shape, the winemaking dream of footballer Lautaro Martínez and his wife Agustina Gandolfo, determined to give a voice back to the most authentic roots of their land. The vineyards are located in Luján de Cuyo, in the province of Mendoza, an area that is a true institution for Argentine viticulture. Vines that are exceptional “survivors”, planted as far back as 1930. These old sages sink their roots into loamy-silty soils that ensure impeccable water management, essential in a high-altitude desert where the sun shines almost 300 days a year. The Las Compuertas area, in particular, is known for being one of the coolest in the region, a feature that gives the wine remarkable finesse. 100% Malbec, in its most noble and elegant expression. The harvest is carried out by hand, not in a single pass but in three distinct stages. The first preserves acidity, the second captures the crunchy fruit, and the third waits for the perfect ripeness of the tannins. In the cellar, Federico Isgró leads fermentation in small concrete tanks using only indigenous yeasts. This is followed by a characterful ageing in French oak barrels of different sizes, from 225 to 500 litres, to calibrate the oak influence without ever masking the soul of the grape. In the glass, Coraje impresses with its deep red colour, almost impenetrable, lit up by bright violet reflections. On the nose it does not shout, but whispers with great precision notes of small red fruits, enriched by fresh spices and a very delicate herbal touch reminiscent of the Andean scrub. On the palate, it is a real surprise: dense and full-bodied, yet it flows with incredible silkiness thanks to very fine tannins. The finish is long, clean and supported by an acidity that makes it extremely drinkable despite its structure. A loyal companion for those who love bold flavours. Starting with a fine grilled beef steak.