Laura Catena grew up in a wine-making family in Mendoza. Although she now splits her time between Mendoza and San Francisco (where she is a Emergency Room Physician, university professor, mother of three, and accomplished tango dancer!), Laura's heart remains in Argentina and winemaking. She had a vision of creating a new breed of Argentine wines: small quantities, artisan quality, and true to their individual terroirs. A true pioneer of small-grower relations in Mendoza, Laura's incredible, limited production wines come from some of Argentina's best fruit from low-yield, high elevation, family-owned vineyards. Her final varietal blends deliver power along with complexity and finesse. They are the ultimate expression of rigorous vineyard management, viticultural experimentation, strict irrigation controls, skilled winemaking, and a quest for quality at any cost.
Luis Reginato, the winemaker at Luca Winery, is a highly trained, experienced, and respected vineyard consultant and winemaker who receives high praise from wine critics and is definitely a winemaker to watch. Luca is named after Laura's first-born son. The family crest (the McDermott family) that appears in the label's background is that of Laura's husband, Dan. Laura is continually inspired by the synthesis of cultures in her own family, and this international inspiration infuses the style and quality of her wines.
Wines at a Glance
- Beso de Dante: Named for Laura's second son, this blend of Cabernet and Malbec is medium-bodied, plump and juicy with luscious flavors of red and black currant fruit.
- Chardonnay: Pale-gold enticing aromas of lemon creme, baking spices and tropical fruit. A stony/mineral flavor finishes long with just a kiss of oak. Exceptional balance.
- Laborde Double Select Syrah: The Laborde Syrah vineyard was planted by a double massal selection of Syrah vines brought back from France's Rhone Valley over a half century ago by renowned viticulturist, Luis Laborde.
- Malbec: A superb example of Mendoza Malbec: Loads of spice and black cherry cola aromas, berry flavors, and a bottom note of freshly brewed espresso.
- Nico by Luca: Named for Laura's only daughter, this huge wine is dense and concentrated and exudes red and black fruits and spice that are the true expression of Malbec in Mendoza.
- Pinot Noir: A complex Pinot with notes of wild strawberries, saddle leather and grilled nuts.
