An Argentinean Evening with Catena

Yesterday was a fairly eventful day for Pris and I.  There was a first communion rental downstairs for most of the afternoon, the dogs got groomed (well at least one of them did), and Pris had a program in the evening.  After the program, which featured beer and ballpark food (courtesy of Feldman's), Pris wanted something more substantial to eat.  So we decided to order up one of our favorite meals which we hadn't had in a while: Aztecas soup, beef empanadas, and tocinetas (bacon-wrapped steak) from Gazapachos.  And to go with these Argentinean style servings? A 2008 Catena Malbec from the Mendoza region of Argentina.

The Catena Malbec had a strong nose that was loaded up with alcohol and dark fruit.  After setting in the glass some you can detect some chocolate notes mixed in with the fruit.  On the palate this wine is robust and flavorful.  Fruit, spice, and even a touch of leather all combine well in this full bodied Malbec.  A nice gentle acidity carriers through the mid-palate and combines with agile tannins to provide a full and lingering finish.

Like most of the wines we've gotten (and all of the ones we've reviewed) this is a good wine.  It complimented the beef empanadas and bacon wrapped tenderloin exceptionally well, especially with the chimichurri sauce they came with.  The bold flavors of the wine complemented the rich flavors of the beef and the herbal acidity of the chimichurri.  It took a good full wine to compliment such savory fare.

We picked up the 2008 Catena Malbec at Feldman's Market Center in Brownsville for $22.  For the price, this is definitely one to keep on hand for when you need a bolder wine, or for when you simply want a full flavored wine to drink.  For more information on Catena's wines you can visit:  http://catenawines.com/