News

DECANTER – June 2025

Wine, Moderation & Pleasure

A gently sparkling wine made from Airén
grapes that has undergone vacuum
distillation and is then infused with rose
petals. The result is a seductive drink
with texture, zesty verve and elegant
florality, ideal for summer barbecues or
lazy Sunday brunches.

New 0% and low alcohol range under the Domaine EdeM brand named after Elena Maza

“A joint Spanish and Argentine project follows extensive research at the Catena Insitute of Wine of on how it could create a zero abv alcohol product using a cold alcohol extraction technique.

By using the Spanish variety, Airén, it believes it has the right base to work with first with low-temperature germination and then a vacuum distillation process and make a good quality wine-based drink. The result is a de-alcholised sparkling rosé – N.O ROSAE – that also includes an infusion of rose petals.

The key here is the “sparkling” aspect, stressed Laura Catena. The bubbles help give the wine the freshness, vibrancy and “vinous” life that the de-alcoholising process has taken out.”

February 2025

Catena Institute of Wine launches no- and low-alcohol wines

“Dante McDermott Catena, fifth generation of the Catena family, is part of this project – continuing his family’s legacy while also representing a new generation of wine lovers. As consumers embrace no- and low-alcohol alternatives, he looks forward to helping the Catena Institute of Wine contribute its expertise to this changing landscape.”

“My generation is leading the no/low movement, and I get it. Wine is about so much more than alcohol – it’s about culture, bringing people together, the flavours, and the ritual. Some nights, you just want a break from drinking but still want to be part of the experience. That’s why I’m excited to be working with the Catena Institute of Wine and Agustín Silva to create high-quality no/low options that let people enjoy wine in a new way.”

April 2024

The Catena Institute of Wine debuts verjus-driven no and low wine

“After two years of research, the Catena Institute of Wine is launching its first no and low alcohol wines, aiming for the premium market. Under the Domaine Elena de Mendoza label, the institute is introducing four products using an innovative verjus method to create no and low alcohol wines. The verjus, non-alcoholic juice made from unripe grapes, comes from premium Chardonnay grapes in the Uco Valley, Mendoza.”

“We did many experiments within the Catena Institute and travelled to see the latest technology in Europe,” says Agustin Silva, winemaker and team lead for the no and low wines at Catena Institute. Experiments included changing harvest times, working with unfermented must and verjus, as well as infusing different botanicals. “It was a lot of trial and error until we arrived at something that was delicious — that was always our objective: making something that tasted good.”