Last night, we enjoyed a bottle of 2022 Catena ‘High Mountain Vines’ Malbec from Argentina (imported by Negociants Australia & purchased from D’or to Door for $35). The Catena Zapata Winery is currently directed by Laura Catena, a fourth-generation winemaker who also happens to be a medical doctor. She trained at Harvard and earned her medical degree from Stanford, practicing emergency medicine in California for 27 years before returning to Argentina to lead the family business.
Laura has become a vocal advocate for wine when consumed in moderation. The conversation around alcohol and health has become increasingly charged, especially since COVID. Public anxiety about risk seems to have escalated, and it’s difficult to discern what’s credible and what’s not. The space is so politicized that you can’t take any headline at face value without digging into the sources behind it—and for most of us, that’s just not feasible. That’s why Rae and I seek out reliable, informed voices, and we trust Laura Catena. She presents a well-rounded, evidence-based perspective—something that’s in short supply these days.
Laura has emerged as a key figure defending wine’s place at the table. She’s a compelling speaker—well-informed, passionate, and engaging. We have had the pleasure of hearing her speak on wine and health more than once, most recently at the Master of Wine Symposium in Germany, and we always come away impressed.
Her website, indefenseofwine.com, discusses wine and health and the medical evidence as well as the politics behind the scenes. One recent article we found particularly useful is titled “The American Heart Association finally clarifies the current science behind moderate alcohol consumption and cardiovascular health.” It’s a great summary of this important health issue and well worth a read.