Winemaker Notes
Catena Appellation Paraje Altamira has red and black fresh fruit flavors and a velvety texture.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Ripe aromas of cool blue fruit, stemmy herbs, fresh mulberries, lavender and dark cherries. Medium-bodied with al dente dark fruit and fine-grained tannins. A bit more vertical than most of the appellation’s wines, with good length and tannins.
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Vinous
The 2024 Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira, from Uco Valley, delivers intense red fruit, with sour cherry, fresh plum and a hint of herbs. This is smooth and slightly plush, with soft chalk and a juicy, clean finish.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.