Dr. Laura Catena of Bodega Catena Zapata and the Catena Institute of Wine joins us for some in-depth conversation about Malbec’s heritage, Argentine wine, and so much more. We tasted three of the Catena wines sent to us just for this occasion, and also discussed grand cru vineyards, wine culture, and making a difference. [sponsored content]
This is truly a special episode, so we hope you’ll pour a glass and join us at the table to learn and laugh along with us.
In the Glasses (03:00)
Laura: Nippozzano by Frescobaldi! She is, after all, joining us from Italy.
Val & Steph: We are indulging in three gorgeous wines that were sent to us for this occasion:
2015 Catena Alta Chardonnay (SRP $33)
2015 Catena Appellation Lunlunta Malbec (SRP $25)
2015 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino (SRP $120)
Dr. Laura Catena
Dr. Laura Catena is a Harvard and Stanford trained biologist and physician, and the founder of Argentina’s Catena Institute of Wine (est. 1995). She is a 4th generation vintner and is currently managing director of Bodega Catena Zapata (est. 1902), and her own wine brand called Luca was established in 1999.
Laura is known as the “face” of Argentine wine and is the author of two books –Vino Argentino – An Insider’s Guide to the Wines and Wine Country of Argentina and Oro en los Viñedos (Gold in the Vineyards).
More: http://www.catenawines.com/laura-catena.php
Chardonnay Chatter (03:28)
In this segment we talk not only about Chardonnay and how high-altitude grape-growing and climate impacts the wine style, but also learn about the grand cru vineyard, Adrianna.
The Catena Alta brings those ripe, candied notes to the glass. The grapes ripen in pure sunshine that encourage thicker Chardonnay skins. Yet the richness is balanced with acidity preserved by the cool, high-altitude air at 5,000 feet. We all agree, this is a luxurious wine.
A Mini Malbec Grape Gab (10:44)
Laura gives us a brief history of Malbec as far as its journey from France to Argentina, as well as the research at the Catena Institute of Wine.
Currently the team at the institute are researching not only high-altitude farming, but global warming impact, and conducting clonal research on Malbec. Maintaining a variety of clones is also a preservation tactic in the face of climate change where the weather is more volatile.
There are more than 135 clones of Malbec in the Anjelica vineyard. She, as well as many French winemakers, have found that the more clonal variety and diversity in vine material in the selection massale, the more complex the wine. The vines were first planted in the 1930s.
Malbec for the Pinot Lovers (17:00)
All this Malbec talk brought us around to the Lunlunta Malbec from the Anjelica vineyard, which is named for her grandmother. It was certainly a lighter style, not as dark in the glass as the stereotypical Malbecs.
Laura personally is obsessed with the umami of mushrooms with a good Malbec, as well as gamey meats such as lamb. However, this wine is so juicy, low in tannins, round, fruity, and soft, it can be enjoyed without food.
Luxury, Labels, and Lure – A Malbec for the Ages (22:00)
The first bottling of Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino was in 2004. We were drinking the 2015, which was the first year the award-winning label made its way onto the bottle.
The label inspired an actual play about Malbec based on the figures in the label. Laura tells us her sister’s influence in bringing to life the historical significance of the women who had a role in Malbec’s evolution in the wine world.
But back to the strength, power, and luxuriousness of this wine. Laura says this wine will age for decades, and can even remain open for almost a week and still drink fine. If you drink it young, certainly have some food nearby.
… the wine itself is sort of an icon for Malbec in a sense that when you drink this wine, it could not be any other variety. It’s Malbec. We’ve kept that at the core of this wine … it’s very Malbec-y.
Laura Catena on the Argentino
Luca (38:11)
Laura has her own brand in 1999 which is named after her oldest son, Luca. By working with small growers, particularly those with low-yielding old vines, and purchasing their wine by the hectare, she’s able to help contribute to the preservation of small grower culture.
See more of the Luca story at www.lucawines.com.
It Starts With Wine (41:54)
Her own episode in the It Starts With Wine series on Amazon Prime (Season 1, Episode 2) is a must see. Not only does it explore the wine and food culture, but there is a strong emphasis on the art, music, and social aspects of the wine community.
A Funny Wine Tasting Story (46:40)
Laura shares her embarrassing wine story that brings with it a few lessons. As with all of these stories, we all make mistakes, we all survive them, and we all learn how to put things in perspective.
Contact Laura (53:25)
Twitter @LauraCatena and @CatenaMalbec
Email tourismo@catenazapata.com
Instagram @lauracatenamd and @catenawines
YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/CatenaMalbec/videos
Website www.catenawines.com
Shoutouts (56:50)
Thank you to Laura for spending an hour of your evening with us!
Another big shoutout to Dan Fredman of Dan Fredman PR who arranged the interview and provided the wines for this episode. Find him on Twitter @dfredman.
200th Episode Swag Bonanza (57:37)
Congratulations to the winner of our final Patreon drawing, Cathie S! We will be sending a box of goodies your way, including books, T-shirts and more! Thank you for supporting the show.
We are also suspecting Cathie will be a fan of this episode, since she appeared on Episode 95 which was aptly titled Wine Label Bottle Babble With the Side Hustle Wino.
Contact Us
We are in the social spaces at @Wine Two Five.
Steph is in all the social spaces as @TheWineHeroine.
Connect with Val on Twitter @WineGalUnboxed and everywhere else as @VinoWithVal.