Bodega Catena Zapata, DV Catena Historico Red Blend, 2024

The Catenas are easily Argentina’s most respected winemaking family. Today the estate is in the hands of the fourth generation represented by Laura Catena who has spent decades studying the potential of Mendoza’s high altitude vineyards with her father, Nicholas Catena Zapata. This special red has particular significance for the family since it honours Laura’s grandfather, Don Domingo, who became famous in Buenos Aires in the 1930s for his full bodied red wines which were sold in the chic city’s French-style bistros.

This big and bold red blend is composed of elegant Malbec from the high altitude Uco Valley, Bonarda which adds red fruit character, and spicy Petit Verdot which adds complexity and structure. Fruit is sourced from two of the Catenas’ famous vineyards, the Adrianna vineyard in Gualtallary and El Cepillo, as well as the Angelica Vineyard and La Vendimia. The young wine is aged for 12-14 months in French oak before bottling.

Luscious cassis, black plums and ripe cherries define the nose while the first sip reveals a well-built structure, intense dark fruit flavours and a spicy finish with hints of black pepper and coffee. This is a fantastic red to enjoy now with steak or to cellar for a few more years.