Catena Zapata Catena Malbec 2023

Region and Vineyards

Mendoza is Argentina's foremost wine region, a mosaic of departments and GIs that climb the Andean foothills. Luján de Cuyo (the historic Malbec heartland) and Uco Valley (Tupungato, Tunuyán, San Carlos) deliver contrasting expressions shaped by elevation, desert climate and skeletal alluvial soils. Greater altitude brings cooler nights and higher UV, building colour, aromatics and acidity while preserving moderate alcohol. In 2022, long, cool autumn conditions favoured slow ripening and exemplary balance.

Catena Malbec 2023 assembles three sites: Lunlunta (920 m; loamy clay over rounded stones) in Maipú for ripe plum and supple texture; El Cepillo/Eugenio Bustos (1,090 m; sandy-loam with calcareous layers) in southern Uco for freshness and tension; and Gualtallary (1,450 m; gravel and limestone) for violet lift, graphite and a chalk-toned finish. The result is a regionally faithful, high-altitude Malbec marrying fragrance to structure.

Winemaking

The wine is 100% Malbec. Fruit is harvested in individual lots by site and ripeness, then given a 5-day cold maceration at 10 °C to capture delicate aromatics. Fermentation proceeds with wild yeasts for approximately 10-16 days, total maceration 19-22 days to achieve colour and fine tannin without excess extraction—an approach that suits Malbec's floral, cool-climate profile.

Élevage spans 11-13 months in French oak, a tailored mix of first, second and third use barrels by vineyard and vintage to frame fruit rather than dominate it. Bottled at 13.7% vol., with TA 5.7 g/L (tartaric) and pH 3.65, the balance reflects the vintage's slow, even ripening and the moderating effect of altitude on a low-latitude site. Expect clarity and verve rather than brawn.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep purple-ruby with vivid violet rim; youthful saturation.
• Aroma: Black plum, blackberry and blueberry compote layered with violet, crushed stone and a hint of sweet spice/cocoa from seasoned French oak.
• Palate: Medium-to-medium-plus body; ripe black fruit framed by lively acidity and fine, talc-like tannins. Mineral line from limestone/gravel sites; oak is unobtrusive. Juicy, focused finish with violet and graphite echoes.

Did you know?

Catena's "High Mountain" research helped redefine Argentine Malbec, showing that altitude is a quality driver—enhancing colour, florals and natural acidity. While many bottles are enjoyed young, Catena notes these wines can age 10-20 years, gaining complexity without losing grace.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Bife de lomo (beef tenderloin): Lean, delicate cut lets the wine's florals and freshness shine; fine tannins won't overwhelm the texture.
• Herb-rubbed lamb chops: Savoury rosemary and thyme mirror the wine's spice and graphite, while acidity refreshes the palate.
• Mushroom and parmesan risotto: Umami depth plays with Malbec's plum and cocoa notes; acidity cuts richness.
• Roast aubergine with chimichurri: Smoky, sweet eggplant and herbal lift amplify the wine's violet and bright fruit.

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.