Wine Spotlight: 2019 Catena Malbec
BODEGA CATENA ZAPATA 2019 CATENA HIGH MOUNTAIN VINES MALBEC, MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
Malbec… one of the 5 original grapes of Bordeaux. A hard hitting and tannic varietal, that oddly enough, is rarely grown in Rhone, and if so, used in a blend rather than by itself. In the 1830s, Malbec was first introduced to Argentina and grown in a vastly different climate than it was used to. By the 1890s, a new and improved version made its way to South America and prompted what would become a revolution in Wines a full century later. Argentina, dealing with political and economic issues in the late 20th century, made lots of wine, but none of it, world class as we know today. In the early 2000s, New World names such as Mondavi and Hobbs, consulted with the up-and-coming big names of Mendoza and helped them craft wines that have since blown away the competition. Argentinian Malbec is an inky, medium-bodied, dry red wine with strong impressions of dark fruits on the nose and palate. This wine tends to have mellower tannins than its French counterpart. Heavily dependent on where they are grown for variations in flavor, Argentinian Malbec has quickly become a world favorite due to the characteristics that the high altitude climate and soils impart to the fruit. Fun fact: the word “Malbec” comes from a French slang word, “mal” meaning bad and “bec” meaning mouth, or to bad mouth someone. This term was used heavily in the Cahors region where the grape is from, and went from an insult, to an affectionately used name for the varietal we know and love today.
The 2019 Catena Malbec is a perfect example and expression of what Argentina has done with Malbec and the magic combination of heavy sun but cooler air on the grapes. With a beautiful purple color, it starts with aromas of cherry, blackberry, balsamic, and chocolate. Impressions on the palate include notes of black cherry, strawberry, chocolate, oak, blackberry, and raspberry. With a moderate length finish and balanced tannins, it leaves you quenched but ready for another sip. While I paired it with peppered charcuterie, this wine is very drinkable with or without food but perfect for a hearty barbecue or dark chocolate dessert.
