# Catena Malbec (2018)

- **Producer:** Bodega Catena Zapata
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Malbec
- **Region:** Mendoza, Argentina
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.6%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** plum, blackcurrant, blackberry, violet, vanilla, chocolate, coffee

## About this wine

The Catena Malbec 2018 is a special assemblage crafted from high-altitude estate vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina. This wine is the culmination of decades of dedicated study by the Catena family, pioneers in exploring Mendoza's unique terroirs. Bodega Catena Zapata, founded in 1902, is a family-owned winery led by fourth-generation vintner Laura Catena and chief winemaker Alejandro Vigil. Their philosophy centers on producing wines of exceptional quality that express the distinct character of Mendoza's high-altitude sites. The 2018 vintage is particularly noted for its freshness and true varietal typicity of Malbec, offering a soft, velvety texture with well-integrated oak and a long, pleasant finish. It represents a very good year for producing young, juicy red wines.

## Interesting facts

- Bodega Catena Zapata, established in 1902, is a pioneering family-owned winery in Argentina.
- This Malbec is a blend from three high-altitude vineyards, with one reaching 1,450 meters (4,757 ft) above sea level.
- The winemaking process includes fermentation with wild yeasts and a tailored barrel aging program.
- The 2018 Catena Malbec received a notable score of 91+ points from Wine Advocate.

## Food pairing

This Malbec's medium body, pronounced fruit, and medium tannins make it an excellent partner for rich, savory dishes. The wine's inherent freshness and fruit character can cut through the richness of grilled or roasted meats, while its tannins are softened by protein and fat. Dishes with earthy notes, like mushrooms, also complement the wine's complexity. Avoid overly delicate or highly acidic foods that would be overpowered or create an imbalance.

## Wine making process

The Catena Malbec 2018 is a blend sourced from three distinct high-altitude estate vineyards: Gualtallary (1,450m), Lunlunta (920m), and El Cepillo in Eugenio Bustos (1,090m), each contributing unique soil profiles from alluvial gravel and limestone to loamy clay and calcareous layers. Viticulture involves dividing vineyards into specific lots, harvested at different times to ensure optimal ripeness. The vinification process begins with a 5-day cold maceration to enhance aromatic extraction, followed by a 12-day fermentation utilizing wild yeasts. A post-fermentation maceration, lasting 19-22 days, is then conducted to build structure and complexity. The wine undergoes aging for 12 months in a combination of first, second, and third-use barrels, with the barrel selection meticulously tailored to the specific characteristics of each vineyard lot and the vintage.