D.V. Catena 2023, a journey through Mendoza – Argentina
The D.V. Catena 2023 is one of the most representative wines from the Argentine winery Catena Zapata, one of the most prestigious names in Mendoza and a global benchmark in the production of high-quality Malbec.
The wine comes from Mendoza (Argentina), specifically from vineyards located in different high-altitude areas such as Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley.
The winery is Catena Zapata, led by the Catena family (today with Nicolás and Laura Catena and winemaker Alejandro Vigil), widely regarded as one of the key figures responsible for elevating Argentine wine’s international prestige.
The D.V. Catena (Domingo Vicente Catena) is a blended wine that pays tribute to the family’s founder. In this vintage, it is composed of a blend of Malbec (main base), Bonarda, and Petit Verdot.
After selecting grapes from different high-altitude vineyards, the wine undergoes controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks, maceration to extract colour and fruit, and partial ageing in French oak barrels (approximately 8–14 months depending on the batch).
It is a wine designed to combine fruit + structure + elegance, without being excessively heavy.
Visually, in the glass it shows a deep ruby red colour with violet reflections, with very good concentration and brightness.
On the nose, it is expressive and complex, with abundant ripe black fruit (plum, blackberry, cherry), floral notes (the characteristic violet of Malbec), soft spicy touches, and a background of cocoa, vanilla, and fine oak.
On the palate, it has a juicy and broad attack, with soft yet firm tannins, good structure without losing freshness, a balanced interplay between fruit and wood, and a long, elegant, slightly spicy finish.
Overall, it is a round, approachable, and very well-balanced wine, typical of the Catena style.
To decide
Approximate price: between €15 and €22 in Europe. It may vary slightly depending on importer and vintage. It is a mid-to-high-range wine with a very competitive price.
Where to buy it: you can find it in online wine shops, specialised wine stores, premium sections of large retailers, and restaurants with good international wine lists.
Why it is worth it: because the D.V. Catena stands out as a high-altitude vineyard blend, not a single-parcel wine, representing the classic Catena concept of blending. It expresses the Mendoza terroir very well (altitude + thermal amplitude).
Sobrelías Redacción
Sobrelías Redacción