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Catena Alta Malbec 2018

Mix 12
£30.00
Mix 6
£31.00
Per Bottle
£32.00
Same Day - cost based on mileage from Islington
Available Sat 2nd Dec
Available today: 17 × 75cl
Available Tue 5th Dec: 69 × 75cl
- Time Left to Order
DHL Next Working Day from £9.90
Deliver Tue 5th Dec
Available Tue 5th Dec: 17 × 75cl
Available Wed 6th Dec: 69 × 75cl
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Description & Technical Information
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Nicola Catena planted his first Malbec vineyard in Mendoza in 1902. His grandson, Nicolás Catena, is known as the man who revolutionized Argentine wine and introduced high altitude Malbec to the world. The Historic Catena Zapata vineyards are planted with the Catena family’s proprietary selection of malbec plants: the Catena Cuttings. Catena Alta Malbec is sourced from Block 18 of the Angélica vineyard, Block 4 of the La Pirámide vineyard, Block 1 of the Nicasia vineyard, Block 6 of the Angélica Sur vineyard and Block 9 of the Adrianna vineyard.

Weather in 2018 Low rainfall and cool temperatures in the harvest months of February to April gave rise to fruit with ‘optimal ripeness’ according to Laura Catena. The result is apparently a classic year for Mendoza Malbec in particular, producing smooth tannins and fresh natural acid. The drought concentrated flavours but yields have returned to normal after short harvests in 2017 and 2016.

Vineyard lots are harvested at different times to ensure optimal natural acidity and moderate alcohol levels. Whole berries are hand loaded into small format fermentation bins and 225-500 L barrels; lots from each vineyard are treated individually; fermentation and maceration last for 28-30 days; cold maceration. Wild yeasts. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in barrel; wine undergoes active battonage to protect it and drastically reduce the amount of SO2 needed. Aged for 18 months in French oak.

Technical Information:
Grape: 100% Malbec
Alcohol: 13.8 %
Total Acidity: 6.2 grams/liter
pH: 3.55
Unfined and unfiltered
Production: 162,000 bottles
Bottled in October 2019

Tasting Note: This full-bodied red wine has a rich mouthfeel and a soft, silky texture. Flavours of cassis and blackcurrant fruit dominate the palate, with hints of chocolate, vanilla and black pepper.
Catena Overview
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Expert Reviews
93/100
Luis Gutiérrez
“The 2018 Catena Alta Malbec shows more evolution and ripeness than the 2019. It's varietal and floral with a mixture of red and black fruit, sweet spices and aromatic herbs. It has moderate ripeness—in fact, it's a little lower in alcohol than the 2019—a medium body and fine-grained tannins, with good grip. 162,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in October 2019.”
92/100
Joaquín Hidalgo
“A Malbec from Mendoza made from a selection of parcels in different terroirs in Primera Zona and the Uco Valley that spent 18 months in French oak, this is complexity in a bottle. The ripe, layered, evolving nose delivers plum and violet notes followed by a hint of acidic cherry over a woody backdrop. Fleshy on the palate, it offers the good grip and volume typical of Malbec as part of a satisfying combination that also includes a terse texture and juicy freshness.”
More Catena Wines
Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec
Single Price
£98.00
Mix 6 Price
£94.00 each
Mix 12 Price
£92.00 each
100% Malbec