Region and Vineyards
Mendoza is Argentina's foremost wine region, a mosaic of departments and GIs that climb the Andean foothills. Luján de Cuyo (the historic Malbec heartland) and Uco Valley (Tupungato, Tunuyán, San Carlos) deliver contrasting expressions shaped by elevation, desert climate and skeletal alluvial soils. Greater altitude brings cooler nights and higher UV, building colour, aromatics and acidity while preserving moderate alcohol. In 2022, long, cool autumn conditions favoured slow ripening and exemplary balance.
Catena Malbec 2023 assembles three sites: Lunlunta (920 m; loamy clay over rounded stones) in Maipú for ripe plum and supple texture; El Cepillo/Eugenio Bustos (1,090 m; sandy-loam with calcareous layers) in southern Uco for freshness and tension; and Gualtallary (1,450 m; gravel and limestone) for violet lift, graphite and a chalk-toned finish. The result is a regionally faithful, high-altitude Malbec marrying fragrance to structure.
Winemaking
The wine is 100% Malbec. Fruit is harvested in individual lots by site and ripeness, then given a 5-day cold maceration at 10 °C to capture delicate aromatics. Fermentation proceeds with wild yeasts for approximately 10-16 days, total maceration 19-22 days to achieve colour and fine tannin without excess extraction—an approach that suits Malbec's floral, cool-climate profile.
Élevage spans 11-13 months in French oak, a tailored mix of first, second and third use barrels by vineyard and vintage to frame fruit rather than dominate it. Bottled at 13.7% vol., with TA 5.7 g/L (tartaric) and pH 3.65, the balance reflects the vintage's slow, even ripening and the moderating effect of altitude on a low-latitude site. Expect clarity and verve rather than brawn.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep purple-ruby with vivid violet rim; youthful saturation.
- Aroma: Black plum, blackberry and blueberry compote layered with violet, crushed stone and a hint of sweet spice/cocoa from seasoned French oak.
- Palate: Medium-to-medium-plus body; ripe black fruit framed by lively acidity and fine, talc-like tannins. Mineral line from limestone/gravel sites; oak is unobtrusive. Juicy, focused finish with violet and graphite echoes.
Did you know?
Catena's "High Mountain" research helped redefine Argentine Malbec, showing that altitude is a quality driver—enhancing colour, florals and natural acidity. While many bottles are enjoyed young, Catena notes these wines can age 10-20 years, gaining complexity without losing grace.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Bife de lomo (beef tenderloin): Lean, delicate cut lets the wine's florals and freshness shine; fine tannins won't overwhelm the texture.
- Herb-rubbed lamb chops: Savoury rosemary and thyme mirror the wine's spice and graphite, while acidity refreshes the palate.
- Mushroom and parmesan risotto: Umami depth plays with Malbec's plum and cocoa notes; acidity cuts richness.
- Roast aubergine with chimichurri: Smoky, sweet eggplant and herbal lift amplify the wine's violet and bright fruit.
