Catena Appellation Lunlunta Malbec

Catena Appellation Lunlunta Malbec

Wine Description

Family vintners for over 100 years, the Catenas are recognized internationally for their pioneering role in high-altitude viticulture and in leading Argentina’s Malbec revolution. Lunlunta is an idyllic district of small orchards and tree-lined country roads, well known for its ancient Malbec vines and silty-clay soils. Lunlunta Malbec displays black and red berry aromatics, a lengthy mid-palate and ripe silky finish. This is Argentine Malbec at its best.

Remington-Mendoza
Laura Catena sits at a table with a glass of wine
Malbec Grapes
Alejandro Vigil (Chief Winemaker) and Laura Catena Tasting
Malbec Clone in La Piramide Vineyard
Nicolás Catena
Bodega Catena Zapata
Bodega Catena Zapata
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Acclaim
“This medium-bodied red has an intriguing smoky, graphite and clove undercurrent, with a lovely velvety texture. Reveals a core of loam-accented cherry and plum flavors, which linger nicely around polished tannins and a late flash of smoke.” — Wine Spectator, Nov 2023
“The 2021 Appellation Lunlunta Malbec was produced with grapes from vines planted in 1930 at 920 meters in altitude. It fermented with full malolactic and had an élevage of six to eight months in barrels, some 40% of them new. The cool year kept the alcohol to a moderate 13.5% with the depth and wisdom from old vines that somehow transmit a sense of harmony. This classical zone in Maipú produces traditional Malbecs with varietal typicity, floral with berries and herbs and a touch of sweet spices, fresh and balanced with some earthy rusticity and juicy fruit.”
— Wine Advocate, Nov 2022
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Vineyard & Production Info
Production area/appellation:
Lunlunta
Vineyard size
150 acres
Soil composition
Sandy & loamy; 50% sand, 30% silt, 20% clay, 5% surface stones.
Training method
VSP
Elevation:
2,785 feet
Vines/acre:
2,200
Yield/acre:
2.8 tons
Exposure:
Northwestern
Year vineyard planted:
1930
Harvest time:
Late February
First vintage of this wine:
2006
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Winemaking & Aging
Maceration length:
10
Varietal composition:
100% Malbec
Fermentation container:
Stainless steel tanks
Length of alcoholic fermentation:
16 days
Fermentation temperature:
80 °F
Maceration technique:
Punchdown and Pumpovers
Malolactic fermentation:
Yes
Type of aging container:
Stainless steel tanks
Size of aging container:
225 L
Type of oak:
French
Length of aging before bottling:
12 months
Age of Aging Container:
One year
Length of bottle aging:
10 months
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Analytical Data
pH level:
3.7
Acidity:
5.45 g/L
Alcohol:
13.5 %