Adrianna Vineyard:
The Adrianna Vineyard, planted in 1992, has Malbec vines on own roots which
were part of a massal population from the Catena family's historic, 80 year
old Angelica vineyard.
Early shoot removal in October and a cluster thinning on December 20 lead to
an extremely low yield of 1.1 tons per acre. (2.28 tons per hectare). With
plantation density of 1,925 plants per acre (4,000 plants per hectare), this
translates into a yield of 20 ounces (570 grams) per plant. With veraison
taking place on January 28, a strict water restriction was implemented to
maintain vine water content below 1.4 megapascals, stopping any secondary
shoot growth.
Leaf thinning on March 20 for the eastern side of the rows allowed the
Malbec fruit to bask in the softer, early morning sunlight. With harvest on
April 18, the vines enjoyed an extremely long, 90 day window from veraison
to harvest, resulting in very high polyphenolic accumulation. A plant by
plant selection process before harvest prior to harvest means only the
highest quality fruit becomes part of this exceptional Malbec.
Nicasia Vineyard:
The Nicasia Vineyard is a small, specially selected number of rows in Lot 1
of the Catena family's La Consulta Vineyard. Planted in 1996, the Malbec vines
are on own roots and part of a massal population from the Catena family's
historic, 80 year old Angelica vineyard.
Early shoot removal in September and a cluster thinning on December 15 lead
to an extremely low yield of 1.2 tons per acre (2.5 tons per hectare). With
plantation density of 1,925 plants per acre (4,000 plants per hectare), this
translates into a yield of 22 ounces (625 grams) per plant. With veraison
taking place on January 25, a strict water restriction was implemented to
maintain vine water content below 1.4 megapascals, stopping any secondary
shoot growth.
Leaf thinning on March 15 for the eastern side of the rows allowed the
Malbec fruit to bask in the softer, early morning sunlight. With harvest on
April 18, the vines enjoyed an extremely long, 86 day window from veraison
to harvest, resulting in very high polyphenolic accumulation. A plant by
plant selection process before harvest prior to harvest means only the
highest quality fruit becomes part of this exceptional Malbec.
Alejandro Vigil, Chief Winemaker
|
| Varietal: |
100% Malbec |
| Vintage: |
2005 |
| Vineyards: |
Adrianna, Gualtallary, Tupungato, 4,748’ elevation. Nicasia, La Consulta, San Carlos, 3,990’ elevation |
| Harvest Date: |
Adrianna: April 28th 2005: April 18th 2005 |
| Yield: |
1,5 – 2,5 tons per acre |
| Fermentation: |
In vertical an horizontal 225 liter open barrels and small 500 liter stainless steel tanks with manual punching down.
Adrianna Vineyard: Max. Temp. Ferm. 28º C. 30 day maceration.
Nicasia Vineyard: Max. Temp. Ferm. 30º C. 29 day maceration. |
| Aging: |
18 months in 150% new French oak |
| Alcohol: |
14.0% vol |
| Acidity/pH: |
5.70/3.72 |
| Fining/Filtration: |
Unfined/Unfiltered |
|
Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2005 is an extremely complex and elegant wine.
Of great concentration and balance, it is a true exponent of the maximum potential Malbec can achieve in high altitude cold areas.
Malbec sourced from Nicasia Vineyard provides a fruity nose of ripe cassis, red berries, blackberries and raspberries. The mouthfeel is fresh and persistent.
Malbec sourced from Adrianna Vineyard has a floral profile of violets and roses,
laced with ripe black fruit. It has a notably deep violet colour.
Oak aging adds subtle chocolate and liqueur flavors and subtle vanilla and tobacco on the mouth.
I has a soft, silky entry that overwhelms the senses. It is dense and concentrated with a balanced acidity. Tannins are sweet and velvety. New aromas and flavors unfold giving way to a long, persistent finish. |
