Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2018

Region and Vineyards

The Catena Alta Malbec 2018 is sourced from distinct vineyard parcels, each chosen for its unique altitude and soil composition across Mendoza's premium terroirs. These include:

• Lot 18, Angelica Vineyard in Maipú, Luján de Cuyo (920m/3018ft): Characterized by loamy clay topsoil with rounded rocks below, providing a balanced profile with smooth tannins.
• Lot 4, La Pirámide Vineyard in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo (950m/3116ft): With clay-rich soils, this plot offers structure and mineral nuances.
• Lot 1, Nicasia Vineyard in Altamira, Valle de Uco (1095m/3592ft): Loamy soils and rocky subsoils contribute elegance and finesse to the wine.
• Lot 9, Adrianna Vineyard in Tupungato, Valle de Uco (1450m/4757ft): This high-altitude vineyard, with gravel and limestone, imparts vibrant acidity and complex minerality.
• Lot 6, Angélica Sur in San Carlos, Valle de Uco (1090m/3576ft): Sandy loam with gravel and limestone, enhancing depth and structure in the final blend.

The varying elevations, ranging from 920 to 1450 meters, allow the vineyards to benefit from cooling effects, which preserve the grapes’ natural acidity and enhance aromatic complexity.

Winemaking

The Catena Alta Malbec 2018 vinification involves careful harvesting from each lot at optimal ripeness to balance acidity and moderate alcohol. Whole berries are hand-loaded into small fermentation bins and larger barrels, where they undergo a cold maceration and a wild yeast fermentation lasting 20 to 30 days. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 18 months, with a mix of barrel sizes (225-500L) to refine its texture.

Both alcoholic and malolactic fermentations take place in the barrel, with active batonnage reducing the need for SO2. This technique enhances the wine’s roundness and integration of flavors, resulting in a 13.8% alcohol level that complements the wine’s acidity and tannic structure.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, intense purple with violet reflections.
• Aroma: Vibrant, with notes of dark fruit like blackberry and plum, complemented by hints of spice, violets, and subtle oak influences.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with a harmonious blend of fine tannins and fresh acidity. The flavors of dark fruit, minerality, and spice are balanced by a long, lingering finish that showcases the wine’s elegance and age-worthy potential.

Did you know?

The term “Alta” in Catena Alta Malbec reflects both the high-altitude vineyards that the grapes are sourced from and the premium quality associated with the Catena Zapata family’s high-end wines. This historic collection draws on Catena family’s proprietary Malbec selection, known as the Catena Cuttings, cultivated for their resilience and unique flavor profile.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Argentinian Ribeye Steak: The wine’s tannins and acidity complement the richness of a ribeye, while its fruity and spicy notes add depth to each bite.
• Lamb Tagine with Prunes and Almonds: The dark fruit and spice elements in the wine resonate with the flavors in the dish, enhancing the wine’s elegant structure.
• Wild Mushroom Risotto: The earthy flavors of mushrooms highlight the wine’s mineral notes, making for a refined pairing.
• Aged Manchego Cheese: The wine’s acidity and depth cut through the cheese’s nutty richness, creating a harmonious balance.

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.