The grapes for Catena Alta Malbec come from a select block of Catena's more than 60 year old Angélica vineyard. Named after Nicolás Catena's mother, the Angélica vineyard is Catena's premier Malbec vineyard. The soil and climate of the Angélica vineyard are ideal for growing Malbec. Clay soils with a rocky sub-soil allow for excellent drainage, and the continental climate of warm days followed by cool nights allows for even ripening and a prolonged hang-time.

The vines destined for Catena Alta Malbec undergo a detailed thinning process aimed at leaving only select, isolated clusters. Harvest generally occurs in the later half of March, and the decision to pick is based not on numbers, but on tasting for fruit maturity. The grapes are harvested by hand into small (800kg) containers. After destemming, the fruit undergoes a cold maceration of fine days, out of a total of 35 days. Fermentation takes place between 30 and 32 degrees centigrade with a light pumping over to saturate only the caps. The new wine is then aged for 12 months in 100% new French oak from Taransaud.

The 1996 Catena Alta Malbec has a dark violet color with bright purple tones. It has a complex nose of black currant and plum fruit with notes of sweet spice, tobacco and toast. Full-bodied, yet presenting a soft, silky texture, the 1996 Catena Alta Malbec offers a long, persistent finish dominated by ripe, velvety tannins. Catena Alta Malbec will only be made in exceptional vintage years. No Catena Alta Malbec was made in 1998.

José Galante, Winemaker