Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec 2021

Region and Vineyards

This Malbec is sourced from two of Catena Zapata’s legendary vineyards, located in the renowned Mendoza region:

• Angélica Vineyard (Lulunta district): Situated at 920 meters (3,018 feet) above sea level, this site features sandy loam soils that contribute freshness and floral notes to the wine.
• Nicasia Vineyard (Altamira district): Located at a higher altitude of 1,095 meters (3,593 feet), the gravelly and clay-loam soils deliver structure, minerality, and exceptional depth.

The altitude and soil compositions of these vineyards allow for slow ripening, preserving the grapes' acidity and intensifying their aromatic complexity. With low yields of 1.2 tons per acre, the vines produce fruit of outstanding concentration and character.

These high-altitude sites reflect the Catena family’s pioneering vision of creating wines that express Mendoza’s unique terroir while standing alongside the world's best.

Winemaking

The Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino is crafted with precision and care, combining traditional techniques with modern innovations to express the purity and power of Malbec.

The wine is made from 100% Malbec, with grapes hand-harvested and carefully sorted. The fermentation takes place in a mix of vertical open barriques and small stainless-steel tanks over a period of 30-32 days, at temperatures between 28°C and 30°C. Manual punch-downs ensure a gentle extraction of color, tannins, and flavor while preserving the wine’s finesse.

Post-fermentation, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation to soften the acidity and enhance its creamy texture. The aging process is conducted in 100% new French oak barriques (225L) for 24 months, followed by an additional 12-18 months of bottle aging. This meticulous élevage results in a wine of depth, structure, and refinement, with perfectly integrated oak influence.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep violet with bright garnet reflections.
• Aroma: Intense and layered, with aromas of cassis, blackberries, and subtle notes of earth. Floral hints of violets intermingle with accents of mocha and spice.
• Palate: Rich and full-bodied, offering flavors of dark berries, mocha, and black plum, underscored by a refined minerality and delicate saline nuances. Velvety tannins provide structure and finesse, leading to a long, complex finish with lingering spice and fruit notes.

Did You Know?

The label of Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino pays homage to the grape’s epic journey. It features four female figures representing key milestones in Malbec’s history:

• Eleanor of Aquitaine – The Old World beginnings of Malbec in Cahors.
• The Immigrant – The movement of Malbec to the New World.
• Madame Phylloxera – The devastation of Malbec in France by phylloxera.
• Catena Zapata – The rebirth of Malbec in Argentina, embodied by Adrianna Catena, symbolizing the richness and promise of the New World.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Côte de bœuf grillée : La richesse et les tannins veloutés du vin équilibrent parfaitement la jutosité et la profondeur de la viande.
• Agneau rôti aux herbes provençales : Les saveurs herbacées et savoureuses de l’agneau subliment les notes épicées et fruitées du Malbec.
• Empanadas de bœuf épicé : Les nuances de fruits noirs et d’épices se marient à la perfection avec ce plat argentin traditionnel.
• Fromage Manchego affiné : La texture crémeuse et salée du fromage trouve son équilibre dans la structure et la fraîcheur du vin.

History of Catena Zapata Estate

Founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena, Catena Zapata has been a family-owned winery for over a century. The estate saw significant evolution under the leadership of Nicola’s grandson, Nicolás Catena Zapata, who joined the family business in the early 1980s.

Nicolás Catena's vision was instrumental in transforming the Argentinian wine industry. His focus on high-altitude viticulture, particularly in the Andean foothills, has been a key factor in achieving the unique expression of Mendoza's wines.

Nicolás Catena’s daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, a Harvard and Stanford-trained biologist and physician, joined the winery in the 1990s. She has continued her father's legacy, emphasizing scientific research and sustainable practices. Under her guidance, Catena Zapata has been at the forefront of vineyard research, studying the effects of altitude, climate, and soil on wine quality.

Region and Vineyards

Catena Zapata is located in the Mendoza region, specifically in the sub-regions of Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. The vineyards are planted at elevations ranging from 920 meters (3,020 feet) to 1,450 meters (4,757 feet) above sea level. The high-altitude vineyards provide a unique microclimate with significant diurnal temperature variations, which contribute to the grapes' complex flavors and balanced acidity.

The estate’s top vineyards include:

• Adrianna Vineyard: Located at 1,450 meters, this is one of the highest vineyards in Mendoza and is renowned for producing exceptional Chardonnay and Malbec.
• Nicasia Vineyard: Situated at 1,095 meters in the Altamira district of the Uco Valley, known for its Malbec and Cabernet Franc.
• La Pirámide Vineyard: Found at 950 meters in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, this vineyard is celebrated for its Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Range

Catena Zapata offers a diverse range of wines, showcasing the rich variety of Mendoza’s terroir. The portfolio includes:

• Catena Alta: High-quality varietal wines representing the best of the estate's vineyards.
• Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard: Single-vineyard wines from the prestigious Adrianna Vineyard, including the iconic "White Bones" and "White Stones" Chardonnay.
• Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino: A flagship Malbec that exemplifies the winery’s dedication to high-altitude viticulture.
• Nicolás Catena Zapata: The winery’s flagship Bordeaux-style blend, which has gained international acclaim.

Did you know?

Catena Zapata was the first winery in Argentina to receive a 100-point score from a major wine publication, awarded by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate for the 2016 Adrianna Vineyard "River" Malbec.