Malbec presentation

Malbec Camp - Mendoza, ArgentinaA journey in Argentine Wine, Food, and Culture

La Piramide Catena Zapata - Home to the Catena Institute of Wine

Malbec Camp is hosted by Laura Catena (President - Catena Zapata

Wines)9 Passionate restaurant

professionals from across Canada were invited for a crash course in all

things Argentina... Especially Malbec

All of Catena Zapata's operations take place in the province

of MendozaMendoza is a desert located along the foothills of the Andes Mountains - They are vital to not only there success in fine wine but also to life

5 Major Regions of MendozaMaipu, Lujan de

Cuyo,Tupungato, Tunuyan, and San Carlos

Catena Zapata has 6 major vineyard sites located throughout

Mendoza

Malbec's Keys to Success in Mendoza In 1852 Frenchman Miguel A. Plight brought Malbec grapes to Argentina from Bourdeaux

With over 330 days of sunshine, Malbec does not suffer from a cloudy flowering period resulting in optimal fruit set

Only 8" of rain = no fungus disease which Malbec is susceptible too

Organically poor sandy soils lead to low vigor and naturally low yields of small, concentrated berries

Sandy soils naturally deter phylloxera allowing Malbec to be grafted onto its own rootstocks

Lack of autumn rain means Malbec can hang longer to achieve optimal maximum ripeness

Mendoza Malbec can be best described as dark, blackish wine with rich dark fruit flavors and aromas; a full, yet soft mouthfeel and a smooth, silky finish

3 Predominant Soil CompositionsCalcareous - Fossils and Crustaceans

Deep sand - Most commonly with thin Clay and more sandStony - Larger Limestone deposits mixed with sand

White Stones & White Bones ChardonnayWhite stones is a phenomenal Chablis style Chardonnay from Catena's Adrienna Vineyard

White bones was of equal quality planted just 50m away from the white stones grapes the two terroir were completely different

Bones=Fossils. Stones=Limestones.

Alejandro Vigil

Chief winemaker for Catena Zapata

Oversees 8000 hectaresFirst ever vintage as winemaker in

2001 scored 98pts by Robert ParkerWe tasted that wine... Yum..

Dinner and Wine Tasting at Alejandro's Home"El Enigma" is Alejandro's private label wine. He is experimenting with dierent varietals than the

typical Argentine Malbec. He is convinced Cabernet Franc is perfect for Argentina's growing conditions

Altitude and Andes Mountains1650m (4800ft) is the highest vineyard allowing for intense sun exposureAt night the temperature can drop as much as 25c allowing grapes to rest

Andes create a cloud curtain that protects Mendoza from rain and cloud coverage

Irrigation - The Importance of the Andes MountainsOn average it rains only 8" each year (Niagara averages 32.5")

Mendoza is a desert - Government rations the amount of water to each landowner, each year varies dependent on snowfall in the Andes

2 methods of irrigation exist in Mendoza

1)Drip Irrigation - a system of coils that slow drip directly to the root of the plant

2)Flood Irrigation - All through Mendoza is a system of channels that were built by the Mayan Natives. Water is rooted through man made channels to flood the vineyard.

Allotments of water are given every 3 weeks

Mendoza Malbec has thick skin!Due to the high altitudes the vines are naturally closer To the sun

Because of the intensity of the sun the grapes instinctively grow thicker skin in order to protect the seed inside

These skins help to condense juices inside the grape and provide the structure required to create a big bold red wine with tannins that are desired in a full wine

Nicolas Catena Zapata and "The Catena Zapata Malbec Cuttings" 3rd generation winemaker

2009 Decanter Man of the Year

In 1980's founded the Catena Institute of Wine - determined to make quality Malbec in Mendoza

In 1993; 145 cuttings were selected from the best vines of Catena's existing vineyards

1996; 15 best were selected and separately vinified and characteristics compared (aroma, concentration, natural acidity, ripening time, typicity, astringency, flavor sensation)

1997; 5 best cuttings were selected (dubbed "The Catena Zapata Cuttings") lot 10, 26, 80, 104, and 120 were planted in all Catena vineyards

Dr. Laura Catena - President Catena Zapata Wines

4th generation Winemaker at Catena Zapata

Emergency Room Physician at San Francisco Hospital (6 days month)

Author of Vino Argentino

Graduate of Harvard University Biology and Stanford University Medical Doctorate

Argentina Wine Importing and our blind tasting with Laura Catena

Argentine Government does not allow any importing of wine into Argentina. The eects of this is a very successful domestic market

alternatively a sheltered wine cultureWe all brought 2 bottles from

around the world for a Blind Tasting - A real treat for our hosts

The wines were recorked and brought to the vineyards for others to

taste (pictures of selected wines on next slide)

Argentine Food "Asado""Asado" is King in Argentina - Outdoor Barbecue Kitchens are the norm in

the backyards of Argentine people and in public parks and spaces

Martin the Asador and "The Butcher" The "Asador" is a key player in Argentine kitchens. The expert of the Asado

Beef is the most popular item on the menu. The average Argentinian eats beef 5 days per week

Typically an entire cow will be butchered fresh and cooked onsite by the Asador. We were treated to this unique experience

A photo diary of Malbec Camp 2015

Park Hyatt - Mendoza City

La Vendimia - Our home for the week

The Wine Tastings

Food-Empanadas Cooking Lesson

People

In the Vineyards / At the Winery

Last Few Random FavoritesThank you for taking the time to check out my journey through Mendoza

Wild dogsDogs run wild in Mendoza - Vineyards will feed a small pack to protect the vineyard from other strays. Dog fights at night could be heard quite clearly

Finished it off with a baby in the seat next to me all the way home! 10-hour flight - selfie to prove it

The end