Wine of the week: Taste the pyramid

This week we travel to majestic Argentina to explore a range of wines and styles, all from the same house - Bodega Catena.

Bodega Catena is situated in Argentinas prime wine region Mendoza. The iconic winery is shaped like a pyramid, with architect techniques from the Mayan culture. The backdrop is the mighty Andes mountains, that sets the scene of the growing environment for the grapes. 

As indicated on the label, Catena wines come from high altitudes vineyards ranging from 800 meters to 1500 meters above sea level. This is very high for vineyards, no matter where in the world you are. And the altitude affects the grapes, and then again the wines.

The main variety in Argentina is the Malbec grape, that produces red wines. For whites it's the world famous Chardonnay grape that rule. Some obscure varieties are found in whites, but we're not focusing on them. Cabernet Sauvignon is popular and some Pinot Noir is also used for reds.

Our wine of the week pick

​Altaland High Altitude Malbec 2016 - 179kr

Deep ruby red colour. 
Smells of light red berries, which is very uncommon for a Malbec. Draws in direction of a Pinot Noir from Burgundy.
Hints of spices and dark berries in the mouth. Gentle tannins.
Super soft and elegant wine. 


Food
Meat and especially grilled food. Try it with veggies with barbecue sauce. 

Other tasting notes

​Catena Chardonnay 2017 - 175kr

Medium deep yellow colour.
Notes of spices, toasted bread and oak. Hints of vanilla, pepper and butter.
Round and creamy in the mouth, with clear oaky flavours, with butter and vanilla.
Long finish with elegant acidity. Crowd pleaser deluxe. 

Food
It can handle any fish dish in rich sauces. 
Try it with chorizo, smoked pork or a rich meaty salad.

Catena Alta Historic Rows Chardonnay 2016 - 275kr

Deep yellow colour. 
Smells of wet stones and mountain air. Complex wine that give in to yellow fruits, plums, butter and toast with some air.
Tastes of situs, almonds, toast and smoky wood. Very pleasant in the mouth with a long and creamy aftertaste.

Food
Will handle any buttery fish dish.

​Catena Malbec 2017 - 189kr

​Burgundy red colour.
Exiting smell of burnt wood, dark berries and hints of cherries. Reminds me of wines from Tuscany.
Juicy and flavourful wine, with dark berries and well integrated oak. Gentle tannins.

Food
Barbecued meats.

Catena Alta Historic Rows Malbec 2016 - 349kr

Deep ruby red colour.
Black currants, vanilla and liquorice on the nose. Complex wine that need a bit of air before showing its true potential.
Elegant and gentle tannins. 
Might improve with 5-6 years of ageing.

Food
Barbecued meats.

Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 - 189kr

Ruby red colour. 
Subtle smell of forrest berries and burnt oak. Oriental spices and autumn forrest pops up as well.
Grand wine with a ling and rich after taste, with elegant tannins. 

Food
Entrecôte, preferably on the grill.