# 090: Old Vines and Argentina's Ungrafted Massale Selection with Dr. Laura Catena

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/vineyard-underground-6280933/090-old-vines-and-argentina-s-ungrafted-massale-selection-with-dr-laura-catena
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/vineyard-underground-6280933/090-old-vines-and-argentina-s-ungrafted-massale-selection-with-dr-laura-catena.md
Podcast: [Vineyard Underground](https://stenobird.com/podcast/vineyard-underground-6280933)
Published: 2026-02-03T09:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://f364ccd0-b8ab-4504-aea4-3e21b899bc22.libsyn.com/090-old-vines-and-argentinas-ungrafted-massale-selection-with-dr-laura-catena
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/f364ccd0-b8ab-4504-aea4-3e21b899bc22/VU_Ep090_Master.mp3?dest-id=3650511
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/vineyard-underground-6280933/episodes/090-old-vines-and-argentina-s-ungrafted-massale-selection-with-dr-laura-catena
Duration seconds: 3978

## Resource

Some of the world's most valuable vineyard lessons are rooted in vines that predate modern viticulture. In this conversation, we are joined by Dr. Laura Catena to explore Argentina's remarkable legacy of old, ungrafted vines and what they reveal about vine genetics, site expression, and long-term resilience. Drawing on her experience, Dr. Catena explains why phylloxera never devastated many Argentine vineyards and how this unique history allowed ancient vine material to survive. The discussion dives into massale selection from old vines, highlighting why genetic diversity matters — especially as vineyard owners contend with climate stress, disease pressure, and the limits of clonal uniformity. We also examine the role of Argentina's high-altitude growing regions and how elevation influences vine physiology, flavor development, and vineyard health. These extreme sites have become a living laboratory for research, helping match plant material to specific conditions and improving long-term vineyard performance. Dr. Catena shares information from the Catena Institute of Wine's ongoing research and how data-driven approaches can elevate both vineyard decisions and wine quality. For growers managing heritage blocks or considering massale selection in new plantings, this episode offers a compelling blend of history, science, and practical guidance — showing how preserving the past can be a powerful strategy for building the vineyards of the future. In this episode, you will hear: Why Argentina has some of the world's oldest ungrafted vineyards The role of massale selection in preserving genetic diversity How old vines contribute to resilience and site expression The impact of altitude and climate on vine health and quality Applying research-driven insights to modern vineyard…

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