| Argentina has been making wine since the 16th century and is one of the worlds largest producers. Most of the vineyards lay at the foot of the Andes and are spectacular.
Argentina has traditionally produced copious amounts of wine but of a relatively low quality due to over irrigation, but things are changing. Argentina has approximately 1800 wineries while only 40 at most produce first rate wine. Many more boutique wineries are popping up all the time. |
Catena- Featured Winery
The Catena family immigrated from Italy to Argentina and in 1902 planted their first vineyard in the desert soil of Mendoza. The Catenas quickly became one of the country's largest wine producers. Today Catena is run by Nicolas Catena named for his Grandfather the founder of the family business. In 1976 the Catena winery was producing 20 million bottles of wine per month. Always innovative and forward thinking they reinvested and modernized their whole operation. Inspired from a visit to Napa Valley Nicolas Catena began to focus on making world class wines. He carefully selected vine clones from Italy, France, and California that he felt produced quality grapes with low yields per acre, less is more was a revolutionary concept in Argentina. The Catena Winery is planting a high altitude vineyard at 4800 feet which will continue to reduce yield per acre and they predict will be their best wine yet. In 1991 Catena released its first vintage into the U.S. and it received great press as being an exceptional value. Besides the Catena label look for Alamos Ridge, another excellent Catena product. | Producer | Varietal | Vintage | Price | Buy Now | | Catena | Cabernet Sauvignon | 1996 | 16.99 | Details | | Catena | Chardonnay | 1997 | 16.99 | Details | | Catena | Malbec | 1997 | 18.99 | Details |
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