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
“The juicy and young 2021 Catena Malbec has a nice combination of spice, berry and herbs to make it balanced, expressive and attractive. It's round, velvety and nicely crafted in an easy to understand and highly drinkable style and a commercial profile. A champion in drinkability.”
— Wine Advocate, Nov 2022
“The 2021 Malbec Catena is a blend of grapes from the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza and was aged for up to eight months in varied use barrels. Purple in the glass. The nose presents notes of fresh plum, herbs and hints of violet against an oaky backdrop. Creamy on the palate with mild freshness and an expansive flow, the year has added a touch more fresh fruit at the back of the mouth. A subtle wine.”
— Vinous, Nov 2022
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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:
5.8 g/L
Alcohol:
13.6 %