Region and Vineyards
Fruit comes from two complementary Mendoza sites. Angélica Vineyard in Lunlunta, Maipú, lies at 920 metres beside a dry riverbed. Planted around 1930, its gravel, loam and clay soils nurture historic Malbec material central to the Catena story. The estate's Catena Cuttings, a pre-phylloxera massal selection, descend from Angélica, connecting this wine to a distinctive lineage of Argentine Malbec.
The second component comes from Nicasia Vineyard in La Consulta, San Carlos, at 1,095 metres. Planted in 1996, it sits on shallow loam with surface gravel. Its higher elevation encourages freshness, perfume and firm structure alongside Mendoza's generous ripeness. Bringing Maipú's lower, historic vineyard together with elevated La Consulta creates a layered portrait of the region: dark-fruited and ample, yet lifted by floral detail, energetic acidity and a clear mineral accent.
Winemaking
This 100% Malbec is vinified separately by vineyard plot, with each parcel harvested as it reaches maturity. The fruit undergoes cold maceration for 2 to 10 days below 10 °C, encouraging aromatic expression and colour before fermentation. Fermentation lasts 17 to 28 days, while total maceration extends to 25 to 38 days. These measured periods build depth, fragrance and tannic structure while retaining definition.
Maturation follows for 15 to 18 months in 2,000-litre oak foudres and 3,000-litre concrete tanks. This combination supports texture and integration while preserving the fruit and mineral line. At 13.6% alcohol, with total acidity of 6.1 g/L, the 2023 vintage carries ripe concentration with controlled freshness. Wine director Alejandro Vigil and winemaker Ernesto Bajda shape a polished, layered Malbec whose élevage frames rather than overwhelms its vineyard character.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep, saturated purple-red with an opaque core and youthful violet highlights.
- Aroma: Fragrant violet and ripe plum open onto cassis, blackberry and blueberry, followed by crushed stone, black pepper and subtle earthy nuances.
- Palate: Concentrated black and blue fruit is carried by fine, focused tannins and refreshing acidity. Mineral spice and pepper add definition, leading into a persistent, composed finish with generous fruit and savoury depth.
Did You Know?
The bottle's illustrated label recounts Malbec's journey through four allegorical female figures: Eleanor of Aquitaine represents the grape's European past, an immigrant evokes its passage to the Americas, Phylloxera is personified as a destructive force, and Adrianna Catena symbolizes the variety's renaissance in Argentina. Together, they transform the bottle into a visual narrative of survival, migration and renewal.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Herb-crusted rack of lamb: The wine's dark fruit and firm but polished tannins complement the meat's richness, while herbal seasoning echoes its peppery, savoury character.
- Chargrilled rib-eye steak: Marbling softens the tannins, and the smoky crust draws out the Malbec's blackberry, cassis and earthy mineral tones.
- Braised beef short ribs: Slow-cooked depth matches the wine's concentration, while its acidity refreshes the palate between richly textured mouthfuls.
- Wild mushroom and aged-cheese empanadas: Earthy mushrooms highlight the wine's savoury dimension, while mature cheese complements its generous fruit and structured finish.
