WINE DESCRIPTION

Before the world recognized Catena’s Argentina as “malbec country”, the winery was known for its old-world style Cabernet Sauvignon born in the clay-soils of Agrelo. The family cherishes its historic Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in Agrelo and Tupungato, particularly for their ageability and classic flavors. Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Lot 3 of the La Pirámide vineyard, Lot 2 of the Domingo vineyard and Lot 2 of the Nicasia Vineyard.

VINIFICATION

Whole clusters are pressed, and then 100% fermented in 500 L French oak for around 13-20 days. Maximum temperature 28°-30°C. 15 – 30 days maceration. Wild yeasts. Full malolactic fermentation. Aging: 12-18 months in French oak barrels. 1-, 2- and 3-year-old barrels.

HISTORIC ROWS

Catena Alta is an assemblage of historic rows within the Catena family Estate vineyards. The blend of these historic rows, like the marriage of sounds that create a symphony, yields a highly aromatic and elegant wine that speaks for the earth and the vines that have been tended by the Catenas for four generations. The Catena Alta wines can usually be drunk starting at three years after harvest and into the following one to two decades.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Varietal: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc

Alcohol: 13.7 %

Total Acidity: 5.82 grams/liter

pH: 3.55

VINEYARD

Lot 3, La Piramide Vineyard, Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo (950m/3116ft). Aluvial origin. Clay topsoil with rounded rocks on the bottom. Plant selection: Selección Mendoza.

Lot 2, Domingo Vineyard, Villa Bastías, Tupungato, Valle de Uco (1120m/3674ft). Aluvial origin. Silt loamy soil with limestone on the bottom.

Lot 2, Nicasia Vineyard, Altamira, Valle de Uco (1095m/3592ft). Aluvial origin. Loamy soil, with rounded rocks on the bottom.