Wines Mendoza Catena - Alta Historic Rows Malbec - 2020

The Catena Cuvée Alta Historic Rows Malbec 2020 from Mendoza, Argentina, represents one of the country’s finest expressions of this celebrated red wine style. Crafted from select vineyard rows—often the oldest and most established within Catena’s renowned estates—this wine is typically assembled from plots that offer a historic pedigree and particularly expressive fruit. The 2020 vintage benefits from careful hands-on vineyard management and a precision in vinification, likely including hand harvesting and a considered approach to oak ageing, designed to showcase both the vibrancy and the structure characteristic of high-end Argentinian Malbec. The resulting wine tends to display deep violet hues, a perfumed nose of dark berries, violets, and subtle spice, with a palate that balances generous fruit, smooth tannins, and an elegant finish.

Mendoza, nestled at the foothills of the Andes, stands as the epicentre of Argentine viticulture. Its high altitude vineyards, often planted above 900 metres, benefit from intense sunlight during the day and dramatic diurnal temperature variation, which helps the grapes to ripen fully while retaining a vibrant acidity. The soils in Mendoza are generally alluvial, with a mix of sand, gravel, and limestone, offering excellent drainage and contributing to the concentration and freshness of the wines. The region’s winemaking history is rich, with a tradition shaped by European immigrants and a deep-rooted respect for old vines.

A Malbec of this calibre pairs beautifully with robust dishes. Classic Argentine accompaniments include grilled meats—particularly beef steaks or asado—alongside roasted vegetables or richly seasoned lamb. The wine’s fruit intensity and tannic backbone also make it a fine match for hard cheeses, mushroom risottos, or even a hearty shepherd’s pie. For those curious about local flavours, empanadas with spiced beef or dishes with chimichurri would highlight regional harmony.

To best appreciate its aromatic depth and structural elegance, serve this wine at around 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour before serving will help the wine to open up, revealing its full spectrum of aromas and refining its texture on the palate. Enjoy now or cellar for further development over a few years.