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In 1994, Nicolás Catena made the first premium varietal Malbec to be exported world-wide from Argentina. It took fifteen years of vineyard research and three years of experimentation at the winery before Nicolas and daughter Laura could decide to bottle the first Catena Malbec. Over the next two years, head winemaker Jose Galante identified his best vineyard rows of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Malbec and made the first vintages of the Catena Alta wines in very small quantities. Catena Alta continues to be a limited production of single varietal wines made from a selected few rows in the Catena family's vineyards. These special barrels undergo a rigorous second selection at the winery. The Catena Alta wines can usually be drunk starting at three years after harvest and into the following one to two decades.
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Catena Alta Malbec is sourced from Lot 18 of the Angélica vineyard, located in Lunlunta (2,850’ elevation), Lot 4 from the La Pirámide vineyard, located in Agrelo (3,100’ elevation), Lot 2 from the La Consulta vineyard, located in La Consulta (3,000’ elevation), and Lots 3 & 9 from the Adrianna vineyard, located in Gualtallary (4,725’ & 4,600’ elevations). This wine undergoes a demanding selection process in both the vineyard and the winery. Vintages: 1996 | 1997 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 |
Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon is made from small, highly selected estate grown vineyard lots at different elevations in Mendoza. From the blend of these components emerges a wine of unique character that has balance, concentration and a strong varietal identity. Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Lot 3 of the La Pirámide vineyard, located in Agrelo (3,100' elevation) and Lot 3 from the Domingo vineyard, located in Villa Bastias (3,770’ elevation). This wine undergoes a demanding selection process in both the vineyard and the winery. Vintages: 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 |
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At almost 5,000 feet elevation in the Andean foothills, the Adrianna vineyard's pebble covered soils and cool climate are ideal for growing Chardonnay. The fruit from the Adrianna vineyard has a purity of flavors and a minerality that is particular to this vineyard and can not be found anywhere else in Mendoza. Catena Alta Chardonnay is made from a special lot, rows 5 through 38, of the Adrianna vineyard. This wine undergoes a demanding selection process in both the vineyard and the winery. Vintages: 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2005 |