Catena Zapata Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Catena Zapata Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 

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Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
  • Vintage : 2019
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon is a distinguished wine from Bodega Catena Zapata, exemplifying the richness and structure characteristic of high-altitude Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 93 2019
RP Robert Parker 93 2019
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

This wine hails from Mendoza, Argentina, and is crafted from grapes grown in three high-altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley. Specifically, the grapes come from Block 3 of La Pirámide Vineyard in Agrelo (3,117 feet), Block 2 of Domingo Vineyard in Villa Bastías, Tupungato (3,675 feet), and Block 2 of Nicasia Vineyard in Altamira, San Carlos. These vineyards benefit from the unique microclimates and altitudes, which contribute to the complexity and depth of the wine.

Winemaking

The 2019 vintage blends 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Cabernet Franc. The fermentation process takes place in barriques and barrels, lasting between 16 to 35 days, with punchdown maceration for 30 days. The wine is then aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which are new. This ageing process enhances the wine's structure and integrates the tannins beautifully.

Did you know ?

The Catena family, pioneers of high-altitude viticulture in Mendoza, has been producing wine for over a century. Their innovative practices have significantly elevated the region's winemaking standards.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep, vibrant ruby.
  • Aroma: The nose offers a complex bouquet of ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, and cassis, intertwined with notes of tobacco, cedar, and a hint of graphite.
  • Palate: On the palate, it is full-bodied and well-structured, with rich flavors of dark fruits complemented by layers of spices and well-integrated oak. The tannins are firm yet silky, leading to a long and elegant finish.

Wine Pairing Ideas

This wine pairs exceptionally well with grilled ribeye steak, lamb chops, or roast beef. It also complements aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda and rich pasta dishes with meat sauce or hearty stews.

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.

James Suckling (JS) : 93 Points (2019)
Blackberries, wild raspberries, currants, lemon leaves, licorice and dried spices on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with firm, silky tannins. Very fine and precise. Fantastic freshness.

Robert Parker (RP) : 93 Points (2019)
As with most Cabernet Sauvignon from Catena, the 2019 Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon is not a 100% varietal wine but a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc, as Cabernet Sauvignon on its own is often not complete enough. The Cabernet Franc must have given it an extra kick of freshness, increasing the already fresh character of the year. The palate is medium-bodied with plenty of herbal and fresh flavors and very fine, varietal tannins. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in October 2019.

Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2019
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2019
Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Malbec 2019
VN
95
JS
94
WS
91
The Catena Alta Malbec is a testament to the Catena family's dedication to producing world-class wines, featuring rich, layered flavors and elegant tannins from meticulously selected vineyard lots.
50,90 €
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Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec 2019
Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec 2019
Catena Zapata
Nicasia Malbec 2019
WS
93
RP
97
W&S
91
Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec is a refined and elegant single-vineyard Malbec, produced from meticulously selected vines in one of the Catena family’s historic vineyards.
82,00 €
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Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec 2021
Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec 2021
Catena Zapata
Argentino Malbec 2021
WS
93
RP
96
VN
95
Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino is a flagship Argentine Malbec, paying tribute to the grape's journey from Cahors, France, to its rebirth in Argentina, where it found its ultimate expression.
99,00 €
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Catena Zapata Catena Alta Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Chardonnay 2020
JS
92
RP
92
WS
92
Catena Alta Chardonnay is a high-altitude Chardonnay from Mendoza, Argentina, offering elegance and complexity shaped by the unique Adrianna and Domingo vineyards, renowned for their distinct terroir at nearly 1,500 meters.
31,50 €
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Catena Zapata Catena Malbec 2021
Catena Zapata Catena Malbec 2021
Catena Zapata
Catena Malbec 2021
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RP
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W&S
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Catena Zapata Catena Malbec is a distinguished Argentine Malbec, crafted from high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza. Known for its depth and complexity, this wine exemplifies the best characteristics of Malbec from this renowned producer.
22,90 €
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Catena Zapata Catena Chardonnay 2021
Catena Zapata Catena Chardonnay 2021
Catena Zapata
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JS
92
RP
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W&S
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The Catena Chardonnay is a finely crafted wine that showcases the unique terroirs of Mendoza's high-altitude vineyards, delivering a harmonious blend of rich textures and vibrant acidity.
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Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata 2019
Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata 2019
Catena Zapata
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VN
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RP
96
The Catena Zapata Nicolás Catena Zapata is a premier expression of Argentine winemaking, blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc to showcase the finest characteristics of Mendoza's terroir. This wine continues the legacy of its inaugural 1997 vintage, which set new standards by triumphing in blind tastings against prestigious First Growth Bordeaux wines.
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Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata
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WS
90
RP
96
DCT
95
The White Stones Chardonnay from Catena Zapata is a fresh, mineral-driven Chardonnay with aromas of white flowers and stone fruit. Grown at 4,575 feet in the Adrianna Vineyard, this wine captures the essence of its stony, calcareous soils.
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Catena Zapata Adrianna Fortuna Terrae 2019
Catena Zapata Adrianna Fortuna Terrae 2019
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Adrianna Fortuna Terrae 2019
JS
99
VN
95
WS
96
The Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae is a remarkable Malbec that embodies the unique terroir of the high-altitude Adrianna Vineyard, delivering exceptional elegance and depth.
109,90 €
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Catena Zapata River Malbec 2020
Catena Zapata River Malbec 2020
Catena Zapata
River Malbec 2020
WS
93
RP
97
JS
98
Sourced from the River sector of Adrianna Vineyard, at an elevation of 1,372 meters (4,500 feet), this wine captures Mendoza’s vibrant acidity, minerality, and concentrated aromas, making it a hallmark of high-altitude winemaking.
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Catena Zapata Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec 2020
Catena Zapata Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec 2020
Catena Zapata
Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec 2020
RP
97
JS
97
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae is a powerful, high-altitude Malbec sourced from the iconic Adrianna Vineyard, renowned for its mineral complexity and structured elegance.
260,00 €
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Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata
White Bones Chardonnay 2020
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95
RP
99
WE
94
White Bones Chardonnay 2020 is a singular expression of the Adrianna Vineyard, combining vibrant citrus and white fruit flavors with a profound minerality, showcasing Mendoza’s high-altitude terroir.
125,00 €
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Catena Alta Chardonnay is a premium Argentine Chardonnay that beautifully combines elegance, complexity, and minerality, reflecting the unique terroirs of high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza.
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Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2018
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The Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2018 is an elegant, high-altitude expression of Malbec, offering a sophisticated depth that reflects Argentina's most historic vineyards.
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Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2021
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WE
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Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2021 is a masterpiece of high-altitude winemaking, offering a vivid expression of Mendoza’s Adrianna Vineyard. This wine shines with its precision, elegance, and pure mineral character.
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