Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2018

Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2018

 

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Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Malbec 2018
  • Vintage : 2018
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14°
  • Grappes : 100% Malbec

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.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 93 2018
WE Wine Enthusiast 93 2018
WS Wine Spectator 91 2018
W&S Wines & Spirits 90 2017
More information on wine critics and ratings

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.

Robert Parker (RP) : 93 Points (2018)
The 2018 Catena Alta Malbec shows more evolution and ripeness than the 2019. It's varietal and floral with a mixture of red and black fruit, sweet spices and aromatic herbs. It has moderate ripeness—in fact, it's a little lower in alcohol than the 2019—a medium body and fine-grained tannins, with good grip.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 93 Points (2018)
This well-crafted red is made with grapes from the winery's estates in Luján de Cuyo, Maipu and Uco Valley. The nose opens with aromas of plums followed by light notes of black olive and Jarilla. A velvety palate shows Malbec-typical black-fruit flavors of plum and blackberry. A herbaceous character and hints of smoke add to its complexity. The lasting, pleasant finish reveals notes of dried herbs. Vibrant acidity and firm tannins suggest good aging potential. Drink now through 2028.Editors' Choice

Wine Spectator (WS) : 91 Points (2018)
Well-structured and juicy, with dark cherry and plum tart flavors that feature firm tannins and acidity. The spicy finish offers baker's chocolate notes and peppery hints.

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 90 Points (2017)
Alta is a blend from old-vine parcels in six of Catena’s estate vineyards, some in Luyán de Cuyo and others from higher altitudes, in the Uco Valley. The 2017 captures the intensity of that fruit in its dark, jammy core, surrounded by brighter, floral flavors of strawberry and hibiscus. It’s hearty but not heavy, a balanced and versatile malbec.

Catena Zapata Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
JS
93
RP
93
Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon is a distinguished wine from Bodega Catena Zapata, exemplifying the richness and structure characteristic of high-altitude Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon.
47,00 €
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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
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91
RP
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W&S
90
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.
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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
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RP
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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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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.
125,00 €
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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.
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Catena Zapata River Malbec 2020
Catena Zapata River Malbec 2020
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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.
175,00 €
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JS
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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.
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RP
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WE
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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.
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Catena Zapata Catena Alta Chardonnay 2020
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WS
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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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WE
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VN
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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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