Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Catena Zapata estate is located in the prestigious Mendoza region of Argentina. This wine is crafted from grapes sourced from four of the Catena family’s top vineyards: Angélica, La Pirámide, Nicasia, and Adrianna. These vineyards are situated at elevations ranging from 920 to 1450 meters above sea level, which ensures cooler temperatures and significant diurnal temperature variations essential for developing complex flavors and maintaining acidity in the grapes.

The soil composition across these vineyards varies, including sand, loam, clay, calcareous deposits, limestone, and surface stones. This diversity in soil types contributes to the unique characteristics and depth of the wine. The vines are trained using the Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) system, optimizing sunlight exposure and air circulation. With a vine density of 2,200 vines per acre and a yield of 1.2 tons per acre, the focus is on producing high-quality fruit that translates into a concentrated and expressive wine.

Winemaking

The Catena Alta Malbec is composed of 100% Malbec. The grapes are hand-harvested between March and April to ensure optimal ripeness. Fermentation occurs in small format containers, including French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, at a controlled temperature of 28°C for about 10-18 days. Manual punching down during the 25-35 day maceration period enhances flavor extraction.

Malolactic fermentation takes place in barriques, 70% of which are new French oak, adding to the wine’s complexity and aging potential. The wine is aged for 18 months in these barrels, followed by an additional 24 months of bottle aging before release. The final product is unfiltered and unfined, preserving its natural character.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep violet with blue reflections.
• Aroma: The nose is elegant and complex, featuring ripe red and black berry fruits, notes of violets and lavender, and touches of leather, spice, and vanilla.
• Palate: The palate is full and rich with soft, sweet tannins and a silky, smooth structure. Layers of rich cassis, black currant, and blackberries are interwoven with hints of licorice and black pepper. The finish is long, marked by wonderful minerality, finely grained tannins, and lively acidity.

Did you know?

During the 1990s, Bodega Catena Zapata set new standards for Argentine wine by conducting in-depth investigations into the yields from specially selected, high-altitude vineyards. These efforts identified the individual lots that produce the best fruit, leading to the creation of the Catena Alta series. This wine is crafted using natural techniques and is unfiltered and unfined, ensuring that each bottle reflects the purest expression of its terroir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Braised Duck with Apples: The wine’s rich fruit flavors and elegant structure complement the savory and slightly sweet profile of the dish.
• Grilled Beef Filet: The robust tannins and layered complexity of the wine enhance the flavors of the beef, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Roasted Lamb with Rosemary: The wine’s spice notes and acidity balance the rich, earthy flavors of the lamb, while the rosemary adds a complementary herbal note.
• Dark Chocolate Fondant: The wine's dark berry and spice flavors pair wonderfully with the intense, bittersweet chocolate, creating a luxurious dessert experience.

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.