Catena Malbec 2024

Catena Malbec comes from Bodega Catena Zapata, one of Argentina's most respected wineries, working under Laura Catena and head winemaker Alejandro Vigil in Mendoza. The grapes are grown across high altitude vineyards in the foothills of the Andes, where the thin mountain air and strong sunlight thicken the grape skins while cold nights hold on to acidity and fresh fruit. That wide diurnal range is the key to the wine's combination of ripeness and lift. The wine ages twelve months in oak barrels, during which malolactic conversion softens the acidity and the wood adds vanilla and a fine tannic frame through slow oxygen exchange. The result is a vibrant, juicy Malbec in a polished modern style. The colour is deep violet red. The nose opens with red fruits and cherry, with hibiscus and a mineral hint of freshly turned earth, backed by sweet spice from the oak. The palate is full and rounded, with ripe fruit, supple tannins and good freshness running through to a savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It is a classic match for grilled beef and lamb, and handles mushroom dishes and hard cheeses well.