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Description

The Catalina by Santa Ema is a true testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of the Pavone family. This flagship wine, named in honor of Catalina Moreno-Rodillo, wife of the winery's founder, represents the pinnacle of Santa Ema’s production. Sourced from high-elevation vineyards in the foothills of the Andes Mountains within the Cachapoal Valley, this wine benefits from the unique microclimate that allows for perfectly ripened grapes with intense concentration.

Crafted as an elegant Bordeaux-style blend, the wine is primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by the signature Chilean varietal Carmenere and a touch of Cabernet Franc. The winemaking process is meticulous: each variety is fermented separately in stainless steel tanks, followed by an initial 10-month maturation in first-use French oak barrels. After the final blend is masterfully crafted, the wine returns to French oak for another 4 months to harmonize the components. To ensure its readiness for the table, the wine is bottle-aged for a further year before release.

The resulting wine is deeply colored and displays a sophisticated nose, layering aromas of vibrant red fruits, plums, and cherries with complex, savory notes of tobacco, cedar, and vanilla derived from the expert use of oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied and intense, yet remarkably well-structured, featuring ripe, velvety tannins that provide a luxurious mouthfeel. The finish is broad, exceptionally long, and expressive, showcasing the wine's depth and aging potential, which can easily span over a decade under proper cellar conditions.

This is a food-pairing powerhouse. Its muscular structure and elegant complexity make it the ideal companion for rich, savory dishes. Serve it alongside grilled red meats, such as a prime ribeye or slow-roasted lamb, or pair it with venison and other game meats. It also pairs magnificently with aged cheeses, such as a mature Manchego or Parmigiano-Reggiano, and well-seasoned pork dishes. For the best experience, we recommend decanting the wine for about an hour before serving to allow its complex bouquet to fully open up. Whether you are adding to a serious wine cellar or looking for the centerpiece of a special dinner, the Santa Ema Catalina is an exceptional choice that beautifully represents the high-quality potential of Chilean viticulture.