Malbec, Paraje Altamira 2020
WINE OVERVIEW

Luca is Laura Catena's passion project to rescue old vines and produce wines that express the history and soul of Mendoza's century-old vineyards. She believes that “old vines are family” and strives to highlight the vignerons behind the wines and preserve the genetic diversity of Mendoza's historic vines. Luca purchases fruit from small growers, allowing these families to continue farming for another generation. She replants her vineyards using massale selections from Mendoza's 100-year-old vineyards. The historic G-Lot parcels of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Gualtallary were planted over 30 years ago and are at the edge of where grapes can ripen in Mendoza, at nearly 5,000 feet elevation. Laura Catena is a 4th generation vintner, mother of three, author, ER doctor, and one of the wine industry's most prominent voices. In 2023, she was given the first "Old Vine Hero" award by The Old Vine Conference. Luis Reginato works beside Laura as Luca's winemaker and the Vineyard Director for Catena Zapata Family Vineyards. Luca has had 10 wines recognized as Top 100 Wine of the Year. Luca is named after Laura's first son, who was born the same year the brand was founded.

Tasting Notes

Notes of black cherry and dark berry with hints of violet, vanilla, and mocha. Deep and dense on the palate with round tannins. This ia great expression of Malbec from the sunny days and cold nights of Altamira.

Food Pairing

Pairs well with steak, pork dishes, and chicken in rich sauces.

Tech Details

The vineyards in Altamira (Uco Valley) are composed of shallow, rocky, alluvial soils that are irrigated by the Andes snowmelt. The grapes are hand-harvested and aged 12 months in 30% new French barrels and 70% 2nd use French barrels. All Luca wines are certified sustainable through Bodegas de Argentina.
Varietal Composition:
100% Malbec
Avg Elevation:
3600 feet
Avg Age of Vines:
19 years
Cases Imported:
2,000
Alcohol:
14%
Size:
12/750ml