Catena Malbec

Wine Description

Catena Malbec is sourced and blended from the family´s high-altitude vineyards in Maipú, Lujan de Cuyo, Tupungato and San Carlos. Each vineyard is specifically farmed in preparation for its role in the final blend. 80-year-old vines in Lunlunta (Maipù) Vineyard lend soft, sweet texture and the lauded Catena cuttings in Agrelo (Luján de Cuyo) Vineyard add notes of spice. The cold nights in Altamira (San Carlos) Vineyard lend bright, crisp acidity and the intense sunshine in Gualtallary (Tupungato) Vineyard give explosive floral aromatics and concentrated structure. This combination of different vineyard components results in a wine with heightened complexities and unique character that has natural balance, concentration and a distinct varietal identity.

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
“In this wine, red-berry aromas of currant and raspberry are jammy in front of a softly fluffed palate. Herbal plum and currant flavors are backed by a mild note of oaky clove. The wine tastes slightly candied on an easy finish that’s not short on oak.”
— Wine Enthusiast, Dec 2021
“Good dark red. Slightly reduced aromas of black cherry and raspberry lifted by a floral note. More reserved and serious than the 2017 version (winemaker Vigil told me he found a bit of animal character in the earlier vintage--an element he doesn't like), with its red and black fruit and violet flavors showing a light touch for the price. This is not a particularly black style of Malbec. Very juicy and ultimately pliant, finishing with light tannins and noteworthy energy. Vigil vinified this wine with 50% whole clusters, which he described as ‘perfect for structure.’”
— Vinous, Sep 2019
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Vineyard & Production Info
Vineyard name
The Lulnlunta, Agrelo, Altamira en La Consulta, and Gualtallary wineyards
Soil composition
Depending on site - clay, sand and limestone, calcareous deposits and surface stones
Training method
VSP
Elevation:
2,822, 3,084, 3,871, 4,921 feet
Vines/acre:
2,200
Exposure:
Northwestern
Year vineyard planted:
Various
First vintage of this wine:
1994
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Winemaking & Aging
Varietal composition:
100% Malbec
Fermentation container:
Barriques
Length of alcoholic fermentation:
32 days
Fermentation temperature:
75 - 80 °F
Maceration technique:
Racking, Punchdown, and Pumpovers
Malolactic fermentation:
Yes
Type of aging container:
Barriques
Size of aging container:
225 L
Type of oak:
French
Length of aging before bottling:
14 months
Age of Aging Container:
35% New
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Analytical Data
pH level:
3.7
Alcohol:
13.6 %