Ep 181: Laura Catena, The Leading Lady of Argentine Wine

The first in a series for Women's History Month, I speak to Laura Catena of Bodegas Catena Zapata in Mendoza, Argentina. We discuss her life as a doctor, a mom, and the head of a wine empire, the history of Malbec and how her family aided the meteoric rise of Argentine wine and of the comeback of the Malbec grape around the world.  A fun, sharp-as-a-tack woman, you'll learn a ton about Malbec, Mendoza, and a few life lessons from this fascinating podcast!    Laura's History and Background on the Catena Family Her life as a doctor and the bridge between medicine and wine Her career pivot to the wine and becoming "the wine doctor" for her country and family Historical perspective The Catena family history in wine The history with Malbec and history of Catena and Malbec Her dad and her homage to him: his pride of country and why he has been so successful   Malbec and it's Rich History Malbec Studies Pre-phylloxera clippings Flavors based on altitude/studies on altitude The sides of Malbec: the agebility factor, and the evolution of the grape Old v New vines: the real differences Luca: Laura's own project of all old vine wine, managed separately and small and how it fosters Argentinean pride   Laura's Advice on Doing it All How she handles being a mom, a doctor, and running a major wine company The power of the B+ The balance of kids and work and life advice on spouses, marriage, and kids   Making Wine in Mendoza High altitude growing and Catena's role: Argentina has distinctive regions – b/c of the altitude huge variations in climates, move faster from warmer to colder Nicolas's (her dad's) altitude bet and its payoff – combination, altitude, latitude, plant material Sub-regions: Lujan de Cuyo= old vines, clay soils, makes some good stuff Uco Valley = Key region for quality Sub-regions: Tupungato, Alta Mira, La Consulta, Gualtallary   The Wine Culture of Argentina and the Wines of Catena Alamos: Gallo family's distribution and the benefits of the relationship for the Catenas. The importance of keeping the small producers alive. The paradox of being big and supporting small producers Lafite-Rothschild and Catena: Bodegas CARO wines Luca: Laura's project Bodega Catena Zapata Catena – classic Malbec, $20 Catena Alta – historic rows of vines Catena Zapata/Adrianna Vineyards – small parcels, harvest plant by plant, hand harvested