"Catena" Malbec, Mendoza

Interesting facts

"Catena" is the basic line of wines from Catena Zapata, which includes wines from the same grapes harvested from different vineyards of the Catena family. All the vineyards are divided into plots, which are harvested as they Mature at different times and fermented separately. The final blend of wine from different areas is connected to receive the brand "Catena". Forming a blend of components from different areas, different terroir, winemakers Catena Zapata strive to create balanced and expressive wine. Wine line "Catena" ready to drink almost immediately after bottling, and they also develop well for 10-12 years."Catena" Malbec, 2010 — dry red Argentinean wine of high quality. The wine is created from a single grape variety from the vineyards of "La Pyramid" (940 meters above sea level), "Adrianna" (1500 meters above sea level) and "Angelica" (870 meters above sea level). The grapes are harvested in mid-March and fermented at a controlled temperature for 11 days. Subsequent maceration lasts for 28 days. The wine is aged 12 months in French oak barrels and American oak. Generally, American oak barrels are new, French — partially used. Bodega "Catena Zapata" is a famous winery of Argentina, located in Mendoza region. The owners of the company — Nicolas Catena and his daughter Laura. Great-grandfather of Nicolas Catena emigrated to Argentina from Italy in 1898. He purchased land in Mendoza, started growing and raised the first crop of Malbec grapes in 1902. Catena believed that this variety has long been grown in Bordeaux, reveal their full character in the land of the Argentine Andes. His son Domingo to realize the dream of his father, becoming the largest owner of vineyards in Mendoza. Nicolas Catena spent a lot of time in California's NAPA valley, where he studied methods of production of local wines. At that time he collaborated with the famous Robert Mondavi, trying to beat the best wines of France. They believed in this possibility. And when nicolás Catena returned to Mendoza, he sold his company to produce table wines. There was only one of the subsidiaries of the family wine business — Bodega Esmeralda. Argentina at that time was known as a producer of cheap bulk wine, and Nicholas went against the General trend. In 1980-90-ies of the Nicolas Catena has concentrated its efforts on the selection of optimal conditions for the microclimate of different grape varieties and their clones. He decided to plant some vines of Chardonnay and Malbec in the area of Guastalla, where the height above sea level is about 1500 meters. It was the only way to improve grape quality by limiting yields of the vineyards. It was a big risk and responsibility. Many doubted that the Malbec grape reaches full maturity at such a height. But the grapes were excellent. Thus, Nicholas first discovered that Mendoza and clones exclusive area for growing grapes. The cool climate, Alpine valleys and poor soil of the Andes was the perfect conditions for grapes of the highest quality. During the 1990-ies nicolás Catena and his team identified the best vineyard sites for growing Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. As a result, there is a new range of wines super premium category — "Catena Alta". They were originally conceived as a single vineyard wine. But in 2001 were harvested an excellent crop of Malbec from three different vineyards of the Catena family, and to choose the best of them was very difficult. Therefore, since that time, "Catena Alta" Cabernet Sauvignon and "Catena Alta" Malbec blends are produced as "different microclimates." Each of the terroir gives the wine unique characteristics. But, unlike red wines, white "Catena Alta" Chardonnay is still made from grapes from a single vineyard called "Adrianna". He is the highest in its location, which gives the grapes and subsequently the wine a bright minerality and perfect purity of taste. In the Catena Zapata has a team of winemakers, which involved the most successful and talented winemakers in Argentina — Alejandro Sainovic and josé Galante, who is the chief winemaker and working in the company since 1975. Great success of vineyards Catena Zapata was made possible thanks to his scientific approach to winemaking.

Tasting Characteristics

The wine is a deep purple color with black reflections.
The wine is full of aromas of ripe dark fruit, floral notes of violets and lavender, a hint of vanilla and spice.
The taste of the wine has a dense texture, with notes of ripe black cherry, ripe tannins and balanced acidity and soft finish.
The wine goes well with meat, game, pasta, cheeses.