Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the elegant and vibrant **Catena Cabernet Sauvignon**, a celebrated red wine from the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina. This full-bodied Cabernet delights with its deep ruby color and captivating aromas of ripe raspberries, black currants, and cassis, enhanced by hints of cedar, pepper, and clove. On the palate, it offers layered notes of black currant and black raspberry, complemented by silky tannins and a persistent finish. Blended with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this wine balances structure and finesse, making it the perfect companion to hearty red meats, flavorful cheeses, or bistro-style dishes. Crafted by the renowned Catena family, pioneers of high-altitude viticulture, this wine is a testament to over a century of Argentine winemaking expertise.
Process & Profile
The Catena Cabernet Sauvignon is a culmination of over four generations of winemaking expertise. Sourced from high-altitude estate vineyards across Mendoza, including Luj√°n de Cuyo and Tupungato, the grapes benefit from the unique terroir of the Andes foothills. The wine blend includes 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by touches of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot for added complexity. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks using wild yeasts, followed by aging for 11-16 months in French oak barrels. This meticulous process produces a full-bodied wine with natural balance, concentration, and a distinct varietal identity.Tasting Notes
Catena Cabernet Sauvignon offers an immersive sensory experience:- Color: A dark ruby hue with violet undertones.
- Aroma: A vibrant bouquet of ripe raspberries, blackcurrant, and cassis, enriched with notes of pepper, clove, mint, and cedar.
- Palate: Full-bodied and luxurious, the wine reveals layers of blackcurrant, black raspberry, and plum, accentuated by hints of oregano, tobacco, and leather. The tannins are silky yet structured, culminating in a long, elegant finish marked by a touch of spice and oak.
What Makes It Special
- High-Altitude Vineyards: The Catena family pioneered high-altitude winemaking, leveraging elevations from 3,117 to 4,757 feet to enhance grape flavor and concentration.
- Sustainability: Certified sustainable farming practices are used, ensuring an eco-friendly approach that respects the land.
- Legacy and Craftsmanship: The Catena family, dating back to 1902, combines tradition with innovation to produce wines that age beautifully for decades.
How to Enjoy
Maximize your enjoyment of Catena Cabernet Sauvignon by pairing it with dishes that complement its richness and complexity:- Perfect Pairings: Red meats like steak, lamb, or steak frites; hearty dishes with demi-glace sauces; or cured cheeses.
- Serving Temperature: Serve slightly below room temperature, at around 60-65°F (15-18°C), to fully appreciate its aromas and flavors.
- Aging Potential: While delightful upon release, this wine can be aged for up to 20 years, developing greater depth and character over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key tasting notes of Catena Cabernet Sauvignon?
Catena Cabernet Sauvignon offers intense aromas of black currant, ripe raspberries, cassis, and hints of pepper, clove, and cedar. On the palate, it is full-bodied, displaying rich layers of black currant, cassis, and black raspberry, complemented by notes of cedar, oregano, and tobacco. The wine has silky tannins, a structured body, and a long, persistent finish.
What food pairs well with Catena Cabernet Sauvignon?
This wine pairs beautifully with red meats such as steak, lamb, and dishes with demi-glace sauces. It also complements dishes like Steak Frites or hearty vegetarian foods such as mushroom-based recipes and black bean tacos.
Where is Catena Cabernet Sauvignon produced?
Catena Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Mendoza region of Argentina, specifically from the high-altitude vineyards in Luj√°n de Cuyo and Tupungato, which are renowned for producing wines of exceptional quality.
How should I serve Catena Cabernet Sauvignon?
For an optimal experience, serve this wine at approximately 55°F (13°C). It is recommended to decant the wine for at least 30 minutes before serving, especially if it is a younger vintage, to enhance its complexity and aromatic profile.
What is the aging potential of Catena Cabernet Sauvignon?
The wine can age gracefully for 7 to 10 years, allowing its flavors to develop further complexity. Its structure and high tannins make it an excellent candidate for cellaring.
What is the winemaking process for Catena Cabernet Sauvignon?
The wine undergoes a cold soak maceration, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks. It is aged for 12-14 months in French oak barrels (some new) and spends an additional 12 months aging in the bottle before release. This process imparts its distinct characteristics and depth of flavor.
Is Catena Cabernet Sauvignon a dry wine?
Yes, Catena Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry wine, with virtually no residual sugar, which highlights its complex tannins and full-bodied structure.
What makes Catena Cabernet Sauvignon unique?
This wine is the product of high-altitude vineyards, which contribute to its natural balance, concentration, and varietal identity. It combines classic characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon, such as dark fruit flavors and earthy notes, with the elegance and finesse typical of the Mendoza terroir. The Catena family's sustainable viticulture practices further ensure exceptional quality.
Unfortunately, we're unable to ship to PO Boxes and APO addresses.
Adult signature (21+) required upon delivery.
You may also like
Recently viewed
