Catena Malbec

Catena Malbec

Wine Description

This 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
“From the Uco Valley, the 2020 Malbec Catena spent eight months in barrels. Bright purple in color. The intense, nuanced nose presents notes of fresh and ripe plum with hints of pepper, violet and cedar. Smooth and expansive in the mouth, the juiciness is enhanced by gentle tannins that add depth without getting overly insistent. The 2020 is pleasant with a flavorful flow. This is a textbook Malbec with a modern twist given the moderate sweetness and increased freshness.”
— Vinous, Nov 2021
“The Catenas are old hands at producing Malbecs that combine different terroirs in Mendoza – El Cepillo, Lunlunta and Gualtallary in this instance. Sweet, supple and soft, with violet, fennel and blackberry flavours and a sheen of oak spices. Appealingly commercial.”
— Tim Atkin, MW, May 2021
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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
Bottles produced of this wine:
780,000
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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:
3.6
Acidity:
5.75 g/L
Alcohol:
13.8 %