Catena in wine refers to the Catena family’s approach to winemaking, which involves blending single varietal lots from their vineyards to create their wines. This blending technique allows them to highlight the best qualities of each grape variety and create a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts.
The Catena family has been involved in winemaking for four generations, and their vineyards are located in the prestigious wine regions of Mendoza, Argentina. They have carefully selected and cultivated different grape varieties in their vineyards, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Chardonnay.
Instead of simply harvesting and blending all the grapes together, the Catena family takes a more meticulous approach. Each vineyard is divided into lots, which are small sections of the vineyard that are harvested separately. This allows them to ensure that each lot is at its optimal ripeness and flavor profile before being used in the final blend.
The individual lots are then specially prepared to be part of the final blend. This includes vinification techniques such as fermentation and aging in different types of barrels, such as French oak or American oak, to add complexity and enhance the characteristics of the grapes.
The Catena wines, whether it’s their Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Chardonnay, are a result of this careful selection and blending process. By blending different lots from their vineyards, they are able to create wines that showcase the best attributes of each grape variety while achieving a harmonious and balanced final product.
The Catena wines have gained international recognition and acclaim for their quality and consistency. They are known for their rich flavors, depth, and complexity. The Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits dark fruit flavors and firm tannins, while the Malbec is characterized by its intense purple color, floral aromas, and velvety texture. The Chardonnay, on the other hand, showcases citrus and tropical fruit flavors with a crisp acidity.
Personally, I have had the pleasure of tasting the Catena wines and have been impressed by their quality and craftsmanship. The attention to detail in the blending process is evident in the complexity and depth of flavors in each wine. It is clear that the Catena family has a deep understanding of their vineyards and the grape varieties they work with, resulting in wines that truly reflect the terroir of Mendoza.
Catena in wine represents the blending of single varietal lots from the Catena family’s vineyards to create their exceptional wines. This approach allows them to showcase the best qualities of each grape variety and produce wines that are both complex and harmonious. The Catena wines have rightfully earned their reputation as some of the finest wines from Argentina.