Catena, Paraje Altamira Malbec 2021

Descrizione

We have always been huge fans of the wines of Catena, but have often wondered what it is that makes them so great.

This is the answer!

This is the “Appellation” series that Catena have launched to show the very specific sets of ingredients that go into the much-loved blends. The several individual sites are vinified seperately and are then asssessed to establish whether they go into the blend or if they make the grade for the Appellation wines: when they do make these specific bottlings, we are given microscopic insight into the Catena philosophy as well as simply delicious, single-site wine. It’s fanatical and extremely generous winemaking!

Situated in the subzone of the Uco Valley in Mendoza, the vines for the Paraje Altamira were planted in the 1950s by Don Domingo Catena. The vines are planted in loamy soils with sandy clay and slit. Once again, the cool nights and high daytime temperatures give a wine that is particular and unique: it’s a Malbec that is on the more mineral side, showing spicey notes, with a deep yet vibrant texture and lush, dark berry fruits. Aged for just over 6 months in a combination of new, 2nd 3rd and 4th use French oak barrels, this is a seriously well-made wine and shows the potential that this site offers the Catena’s Malbec story.

With a winemaking history that very few old world wineries possess, let alone in the new world, Catena have achieved international recognition through their pioneering winemaking and vineyard management. With a special relationship to the study of vines at high altitude, they are able to boast a vast range of single vineyard and single site wines across at least four different grape varieties. Their quest for the best from their land isn’t a trivial or trendy fad to attract attention and critical acclaim; it really comes from a genuine belief and desire to find the latent properties that this set of terroirs can yield through the lens of each grape that is planted.