Catena Appellation San Carlos Cabernet Franc

Catena Appellation San Carlos Cabernet Franc bottle image

Wine Description

Mendoza Province is Argentina’s most important winemaking region with approximately 167,704 hectares (414,405 acres) of vineyards, accounting for 70% of the country’s Wine production. Within the Mendoza appellation there are distinct sub-appellations, legally recognized as “Indicaciones Geográficas” (IGs). Through extraordinary diversity in soil quality, altitude, and climate, Mendoza’s sub-appellation/IGs are essential in defining the terroir of Argentine wine. Wines labeled from a particular appellation/IG must be sourced 100% from vineyards in the IG.

 

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
“The influence of the chalky soils here has a strong impact on the texture of this wine. The tannins are firm, austere, and very much in the style of this same wine, but in Altamira, although with less exuberant fruit and a much more pronounced herbal side from the cabernet franc. And the acidity tastes mineral and very well integrated with the flavors. A very nervy wine, perfect for oily fish hot off the grill.”
— Descorchados, Jun 2019
“Bright medium ruby-red. Classic aromatic Cabernet Franc nose offers blackberry, spices and violet, plus a faint hint of creosote. Concentrated, floral and energetic, delivering a wonderfully suave, fine-grained texture and a sexy oak element. The finish features building tannins and rising spicy length. A distinctly serious Cabernet Franc for aging. Vigil told me he considers this to be a perfect example of the variety.”
— Vinous, Jul 2018
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Vineyard & Production Info
Vineyard name
El Cepillo, district of San Carlos
Vineyard size
100 acres
Soil composition
Clay, Silt, and Sand
Training method
VSP
Elevation:
3,960 feet
Vines/acre:
2,200
Yield/acre:
2.4 tons
Exposure:
Northwestern
Harvest time:
April
First vintage of this wine:
2006
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Winemaking & Aging
Maceration length:
10
Varietal composition:
100% Cabernet Franc
Fermentation container:
Stainless steel tanks
Length of alcoholic fermentation:
20 days
Fermentation temperature:
80 °F
Maceration technique:
Pumpovers
Malolactic fermentation:
Yes
Type of aging container:
Barriques
Size of aging container:
225 L
Type of oak:
French
Length of aging before bottling:
12 months
Age of Aging Container:
New
Length of bottle aging:
8 months
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Analytical Data
pH level:
3.6
Alcohol:
13.5 %
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Wine Production

100% varietal wines blended from vineyards located in El Cepillo, La Consulta and Paraje Altamira, all of them, districts from San Carlos.  Cabernet Franc: 12 to 20 year old vines grown in the  sandy – loam soils provides concentrated ripe red berries, with a touch of  spicy black pepper and eucalyptus. In the palate a good acidity and well integrated tannins gives a fresh and long finish.