Catena Alamos Malbec (2023)
750mL / Mendoza / Argentina
The character of Mendoza wines is forged in high altitude desert vineyards irrigated by mineral-rich snowmelt from glaciers and snowfields. Altitudes range from 1,000 feet to around 5,000 feet, where the foothills rise steeply toward the Andes’ peaks. High altitude means cool temperatures and clear air, and clear air means more sunlight for building flavor in the grapes, helping to make Mendoza the source of Argentina’s well-earned reputation for top quality, unique wines.
The grapes for our Malbec were handpicked, destemmed and crushed. Prior to fermentation, the must was cold soaked for three days. Fermentation occurred in upright, conical tanks for one week at 85F. Throughout fermentation, we used several pump-overs to extract color and flavor. After primary fermentation, this wine underwent malolactic fermentation to create a round mouthfeel before six to eight months of aging in a combination of French and American 225 L barrels at a medium toast level.