2017

DV Catena Malbec Historico

Argentina

Release Price

Drink Window

13.5

ABV

3.7

pH

5.8

TA

RS

From The Winemaker

The Catena wines are a special assemblage of High
Mountain Estate Vineyards made by fourth generation
vintner, Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro
Vigil. Although we have found that most of the Catena
wines are consumed shortly after release, we are
pleased to see that they age beautifully for ten to
twenty years. Through decades of study and
exploration within Mendoza's high altitude mountain
terroirs, the Catena family has identified special
locations for its Estate vineyards. From the marriage of
these historic vineyards merges a wine of unique
character that has natural balance, concentration and
a distinct varietal identity.

Growing Conditions

A Blend of two Vineyards - vineyards are divided into lots that are harvested at different times: Lunlunta 3,018 ft (920m) elevation: alluvial origin. Loamy clay in the topsoil with rounded rocks on the bottom. Eugenio Bustos 3,576 ft (1,090 m) elevation: alluvial origin. Loam-sandy soil with thick calcareous layers and rounded rocks on the bottom.

Aging

12 months in barrel. Barrel selection varies depending on vineyard and vintage -First, second and third use barrels used.

Harvest

Low yields due to moderate frosts in the UCO Valley, an early harvest, and perfect balance. Laura Catena’s favorite vintage since 1995. After Harvest 2016, the smallest and coldest in three decades thanks to El Niño, Mendoza's wine producers were mourning their empty wineries and hoping for a big crop.

But only Mother Nature gets to decide, and in 2017 we had another year of small yields—especially in the UCO Valley where most of our family’s vineyards are located. Spring frosts brought on by dryer and slightly cooler weather resulted in lower yields, and the UCO Valley Malbec was down 55%.

Past Vintages