{"title":"Catalpa","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"catalpa-chardonnay","title":"Catalpa Chardonnay","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalpa Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Chardonnay from Bodega Atamisque in Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 92 points by Decanter in their Top South American Chardonnay tasting, this single-vineyard expression earned praise from Tim Atkin MW, who called it \"Proper Chardonnay!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina  |  100% Chardonnay  |  Producer: Bodega Atamisque\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBodega Atamisque operates in the prestigious Uco Valley subregion of Mendoza, under the direction of winemaker Philippe Caraguel. The Catalpa Chardonnay is sourced from a single plot of the estate's best vineyard, where roughly half the juice is fermented in oak. The wine then spends approximately 10 months aging in new French oak barrels, a regimen that builds body and layers of honeyed vanilla over a core of citrus and tropical fruit without overwhelming the varietal character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Abundant ripe fruit leads the nose — pineapple and golden apple give way to ripe peach, followed by supporting notes of vanilla and warm cinnamon from the oak aging. There is a gentle honeyed quality underneath that ties the fruit and barrel influence together.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is generous and creamy, with peach and apricot flavors at the forefront. Mid-palate, caramel and smoked oak add complexity, while refreshing acidity provides structure and prevents the wine from becoming heavy or overwrought. The balance between fruit richness and lively acidity is the defining feature here.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length, the finish carries hints of warm spice and lingering vanilla. A clean citrus note emerges at the tail end, leaving the palate fresh and inviting another sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Catalpa Chardonnay\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Chardonnay rewards attention — serve it lightly chilled, around 10–12°C (50–54°F), in a wide-bowled glass that allows the oak-inflected aromas to open up. Neat and unadorned is the best way to appreciate the interplay between fruit and barrel. For cocktails, it works in a \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Wine Spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the creamy texture holds up against soda water; a \u003cstrong\u003eFrench 75 variation\u003c\/strong\u003e using Chardonnay in place of sparkling wine to add body and tropical depth; or a \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the peach and pineapple notes harmonize naturally with sliced stone fruit and citrus.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners featuring roast chicken or cream-sauced pasta\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to oak-aged Argentine Chardonnay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates Uco Valley producers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSummer gatherings where a rich but balanced white is needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Catalpa Chardonnay taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers generous ripe peach and apricot flavors layered with caramel, vanilla, and smoked oak, all held in check by bright, refreshing acidity that keeps the wine balanced and drinkable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Catalpa Chardonnay compare to Catena Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are 100% Chardonnay wines from Mendoza, but Catalpa comes from a single vineyard plot in Uco Valley with approximately 10 months in new French oak, giving it a notably creamy, oak-driven profile. Catena's standard Chardonnay tends toward a broader, more fruit-forward style with less pronounced barrel influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Catalpa Chardonnay good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the balance of ripe tropical fruit, vanilla richness, and lively acidity makes it a satisfying wine to drink neat, ideally served lightly chilled to let the aromatics develop fully.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Catalpa Chardonnay made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Bodega Atamisque in the Uco Valley, a high-altitude subregion of Mendoza, Argentina renowned for producing concentrated, well-structured white wines under the guidance of winemaker Philippe Caraguel.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Catalpa Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roast chicken with herbs complements the creamy oak character. Grilled white fish with a lemon butter sauce mirrors the wine's citrus finish. Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie echo its texture. Risotto with mushrooms matches the wine's medium body and subtle smokiness. Pork tenderloin with a stone fruit glaze connects directly to the peach and apricot notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Catalpa Chardonnay come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Catalpa Chardonnay is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Catalpa Chardonnay worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Decanter featured it in their Top South American Chardonnay under £20 tasting and awarded it 92 points, positioning it firmly as a high-value expression that punches well above its price tier for an oak-aged, single-vineyard Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Catalpa Chardonnay?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this wine from the crowd of Argentine Chardonnays is its single-vineyard sourcing and disciplined use of new French oak — enough to add genuine complexity without masking the fruit. A 92-point score from Decanter and endorsement from Tim Atkin MW confirm that the quality here is not accidental. Bodega Atamisque's Uco Valley location provides the altitude and diurnal temperature swings that preserve the natural acidity essential to keeping an oak-aged Chardonnay lively. For drinkers seeking a South American white with real structure and depth at a sensible price, this bottling makes a compelling case.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Catalpa","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837768003753,"sku":"24046","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Catalpa-Chardonnay__28397.jpg?v=1730493738"},{"product_id":"catalpa-malbec","title":"Catalpa Malbec","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalpa Malbec\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Malbec wine from Bodega Atamisque in Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 14–14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from organically farmed vines aged 70 to 80 years and produced using gravity-flow winemaking, this expression earned 92 points from James Suckling on the 2017 vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14–14.5%  |  Origin: Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina  |  100% Malbec, Old Vine  |  Producer: Bodega Atamisque\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBodega Atamisque sits at approximately 4,430 feet elevation in Tupungato, one of the most prized sub-regions of the Uco Valley. The estate relies on organically farmed old vines — between 70 and 80 years of age — which naturally produce lower yields and more concentrated fruit. What truly distinguishes the Catalpa line is Atamisque's four-level gravity-flow winery: grapes are double sorted, fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness, and the juice is never pumped at any stage. This means the delicate chemical bonds that form the wine's tannin structure remain intact from sorting table to bottle. After fermentation, the wine ages for 12 months in French oak barrels followed by an additional 6 months of bottle aging before release.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with intense blackberry, blueberry, and crushed violet, layered with secondary notes of dried herbs, peppercorns, and lavender. Deeper in the glass, subtle hints of coffee, mocha, and tobacco leaf emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is supple and juicy, with generous black and blue fruit immediately filling the palate. Mid-palate, baked dark cherry and currant mingle with licorice and coffee, supported by a dense, concentrated fruit core. The tannins are remarkably fine-grained and creamy — a direct result of the gravity-flow process — providing serious structure without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long and tightly wound, with savory tobacco leaf and a touch of minerality lingering alongside dark fruit. The finish stays balanced, never veering into over-extraction despite the wine's considerable concentration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Catalpa Malbec\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine rewards pouring into a large-bowled glass with 20–30 minutes of breathing time to let the old-vine complexity unfold. Serve slightly below room temperature, around 60–64°F, to keep the fruit bright and the tannins integrated. While built for the table, it stands confidently on its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA centerpiece red for an Argentine-themed asado dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a wine lover exploring high-altitude Malbec\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing alongside a special steak or braised short rib dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a collection of old-vine South American wines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Catalpa Malbec taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Catalpa Malbec delivers dense black and blue fruit — blackberry, blueberry, and dark cherry — layered with coffee, tobacco, lavender, and licorice, all carried by ultra-fine tannins and balanced acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Catalpa Malbec compare to Catena Malbec?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are benchmark Argentine Malbecs from high-altitude Mendoza vineyards, but Catalpa draws from significantly older vines (70–80 years) and uses strict gravity-flow winemaking, which tends to produce finer, more integrated tannins. Catena Malbec is more widely distributed and often positioned as an accessible everyday Malbec, while Catalpa leans toward a more concentrated, structured profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Catalpa Malbec good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its concentrated fruit, complex aromatics, and polished tannin structure make it an excellent wine for sipping neat, particularly with some time to breathe in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Catalpa Malbec made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Catalpa Malbec is produced by Bodega Atamisque, located in Tupungato in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina, at an elevation of roughly 4,430 feet above sea level.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Catalpa Malbec?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's dark fruit and savory depth. Braised lamb shanks echo its tobacco and herb notes. Empanadas with spiced beef mirror the peppery undertones. Aged Gouda or Manchego cheese highlight its concentrated fruit. Dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage plays well with the mocha and coffee character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Catalpa Malbec come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Catalpa Malbec is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Catalpa Malbec worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Catalpa Malbec positions as a premium expression within Argentine Malbec, justified by its old-vine sourcing, organic farming, gravity-flow production, and 12 months of French oak aging — details typically associated with wines at significantly higher price points.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Catalpa Malbec?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe combination of 70-to-80-year-old organically farmed vines and a fully gravity-fed winery is uncommon at any price tier, let alone among Mendoza's mid-to-upper range Malbecs. That production rigor shows up in the glass: the tannins are notably finer and more seamlessly integrated than what most Argentine Malbecs at a comparable level deliver. James Suckling's 92-point score on the 2017 vintage underscores the consistency of quality here. For anyone seeking old-vine intensity from one of Uco Valley's best-situated estates without entering ultra-premium territory, Catalpa Malbec is a serious and rewarding choice.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Catalpa","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837768167593,"sku":"24047","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Catalpa-Malbec__39180.jpg?v=1730493752"},{"product_id":"catalpa-cabernet-sauvignon","title":"Catalpa Cabernet Sauvignon","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalpa Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/strong\u003e is a full-bodied Argentine red wine from Bodega Atamisque in Mendoza's Uco Valley, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from remarkably old vines ranging 50 to 65-plus years in age and grown at elevations above 1,300 meters, this expression has earned 93–95 point scores from both Vinous and Decanter — a testament to the serious quality emerging from Atamisque's high-altitude vineyards.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina  |  100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: Bodega Atamisque\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBodega Atamisque sits in the southern reaches of the Uco Valley, one of Argentina's most prized sub-regions for premium viticulture, where extreme altitude and wide diurnal temperature swings produce grapes with concentrated flavors and bright natural acidity. The fruit comes from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon vines planted over half a century ago — an uncommon asset in Mendoza, where most vineyards are considerably younger. Winemaking follows a distinctive split-aging regimen: half the wine matures for 12 months in new French oak barrels, while the other half rests in stainless steel tanks, and the two lots are then blended. This technique preserves the varietal's fresh fruit character while layering in structural complexity. The estate follows organic farming practices throughout the vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with intense dark cherry and blackcurrant, shifting into cassis and raspberry jam. Beneath the fruit, subtle layers of black pepper, roasted red pepper, cocoa, and vanilla unfold with time in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is round and smooth, with ripe blackcurrant and dark berry fruit at the center of the palate. At mid-palate the wine builds in density and concentration, revealing chocolate and baking spice tones supported by firm yet silky tannins. Vibrant acidity cuts through the full body, keeping the wine balanced and lively rather than heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and textured, with lingering flavors of red fruit, cacao, and a faint mineral edge. The tannins resolve gracefully, leaving a clean, dry close that invites the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Catalpa Cabernet\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine shows best with 20–30 minutes of decanting and a generous glass that lets the aromatics open fully. Serving slightly below room temperature, around 16–18°C (61–64°F), highlights both the fruit and the structural framework. For food-forward occasions, it pairs naturally with grilled red meats — particularly Argentine-style asado — as well as slow-braised short ribs, aged hard cheeses, and roasted root vegetables with herbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a weekend asado or grilled steak dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a red wine enthusiast exploring Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding an old-vine South American bottling to a growing cellar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a comparative tasting of Uco Valley reds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Catalpa Cabernet Sauvignon taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers concentrated dark cherry and blackcurrant fruit layered with cocoa, vanilla, and black pepper, framed by silky tannins and bright acidity. The overall impression is full-bodied, smooth, and well-structured with a long, fruit-driven finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Catalpa Cabernet compare to Argentine Malbec?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are full-bodied Argentine reds with dark fruit profiles, but Catalpa Cabernet leans toward blackcurrant and black pepper with firmer tannin structure, while typical Mendoza Malbec tends toward softer plum and violet notes with a rounder mouthfeel. The split French oak and stainless steel aging on the Catalpa also contributes a freshness that differentiates it from the more overtly oaky style common in premium Malbecs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Catalpa Cabernet good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the balance of ripe fruit, integrated tannins, and vibrant acidity makes it a satisfying wine to drink without food, especially after brief decanting to let the aromatics develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Catalpa Cabernet made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Bodega Atamisque in the Uco Valley sub-region of Mendoza, Argentina. The vineyards sit above 1,300 meters elevation, benefiting from intense sunlight, cool nighttime temperatures, and well-drained alluvial soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Catalpa Cabernet?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled ribeye steak matches its full body and tannin grip. Slow-braised lamb shanks complement the wine's dark fruit and spice layers. Aged Manchego or Gouda echoes its cocoa and vanilla undertones. Roasted portobello mushrooms with rosemary bring out the earthy, herbal side of the wine. Dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage mirrors the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Catalpa Cabernet come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard bottling is a 750ml format, which is the most widely available size for this wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Catalpa Cabernet worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e With 93–95 point scores from respected publications and fruit sourced from rare 50-plus-year-old vines, Catalpa Cabernet positions as a premium Argentine red that consistently punches above its price tier, delivering complexity and aging potential often associated with more expensive Cabernet Sauvignons from comparable regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Catalpa Cabernet?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOld vines are the foundation of this wine's identity. While most Mendoza producers work with plantings measured in decades, Atamisque draws from Cabernet Sauvignon vines over half a century old, which naturally yield lower quantities of more concentrated fruit. The dual-aging approach — half new French oak, half stainless steel — is a deliberate choice to capture both the structural polish of barrel maturation and the pure fruit expression that altitude and old roots provide. Scores of 93–95 points from Vinous and Decanter confirm that this method translates into a finished wine of genuine distinction. For anyone seeking a serious Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon with verifiable provenance and critical recognition, this bottling makes a compelling case.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Catalpa","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44849848418473,"sku":"24045","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Catalpa-Cabernet-Sauvignon__20682.jpg?v=1730848727"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/catalpa.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}