Catena Zapata Catena Malbec 2021

Catena Zapata Catena Malbec 2021

 

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Catena Zapata
Catena Malbec 2021
  • Vintage : 2021
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Malbec

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.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 91 2021
RP Robert Parker 91 2021
W&S Wines & Spirits 90 2020
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

This wine is sourced from several high-altitude vineyards located in Mendoza, Argentina, including Lunlunta, Agrelo, Altamira, and Gualtallary. These vineyards, situated at elevations ranging from 2,822 to 4,921 feet, benefit from the significant diurnal temperature variations that enhance the wine's complexity and structure.

The soil composition varies across the sites, including clay, sand, limestone, calcareous deposits, and surface stones. The unique microclimates of these vineyards contribute to the wine's natural balance, concentration, and distinct varietal identity​​​.

Winemaking

The Catena Malbec is made from 100% Malbec grapes. The winemaking process includes:

  • Fermentation: The grapes undergo cold maceration for five days at 48°F to extract aromas, followed by fermentation for 10-16 days and post-fermentation maceration for 19-22 days. Fermentation occurs in barriques at temperatures between 75-80°F.
  • Aging: The wine is aged for 14 months in 225-liter French oak barriques, with 35% new oak. This aging process helps to integrate the flavors and add complexity to the wine​​​​.

Did you know?

Catena Zapata is a pioneering winery in Argentina, led by Nicolás Catena Zapata. The winery is famous for its innovative high-altitude viticulture, which has significantly contributed to the international recognition of Argentine wines​.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep violet with purple reflections.
  • Aroma: Intense aromas of ripe red and dark fruits, accompanied by delicate notes of violet, lavender, vanilla, and mocha.
  • Palate: Rich and concentrated with flavors of blueberries, blackberries, leather, and cinnamon. The wine has well-integrated tannins, bright acidity, and a flinty minerality that provides exceptional length to the finish​​​

Wine Pairing Ideas

This Malbec pairs excellently with roast turkey, grilled steak, salmon, and pasta with red sauce. It also complements dishes with rich, hearty sauces and can be enjoyed with aged cheeses like Manchego or Gouda​​​​.

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) : 91 Points (2021)
Aromas of plums, dark cherries, blueberries, tar and crushed stones. It’s medium-bodied with round, velvety tannins. Dark-fruited and smooth.

Robert Parker (RP) : 91 Points (2021)
The juicy and young 2021 Catena Malbec has a nice combination of spice, berry and herbs to make it balanced, expressive and attractive. It's round, velvety and nicely crafted in an easy to understand and highly drinkable style and a commercial profile. A champion in drinkability.

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 90 Points (2020)
This wine unleashes a barrage of flavors—huckleberry, wild herbs and currants—that lose steam as the tannins take over, lasting on those sticky malbec tannins. It’d be fun to play with pairing ideas, so open it at the beginning of a dinner party and try it alongside everything from cheeses and olives to the main roast.

Catena Zapata Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
RP
93
JS
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 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2019
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2019
Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Malbec 2019
JS
94
RP
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 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec 2019
Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec 2019
Catena Zapata
Nicasia Malbec 2019
WS
93
RP
97
W&S
91
From high altitude vineyards, Catena produce this aromatic wine full of ripe black fruits, sweet spices and thyme. The palate is packed full of dark berries, liquorice and bitter chocolate.
82,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec 2021
Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec 2021
Catena Zapata
Argentino Malbec 2021
WS
93
RP
96
VN
95
Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec 2021 is a highly regarded Malbec from the Mendoza region of Argentina, crafted with meticulous care from the finest lots of the Catena family's estate vineyards.
99,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Chardonnay 2020
JS
92
RP
92
WS
92
The wine has a wonderful viscosity, mouth coating and pleasantly creamy, but with an exciting streak of minerally acidity that leaves us wanting more.
31,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Catena Chardonnay 2021
Catena Zapata Catena Chardonnay 2021
Catena Zapata
Catena Chardonnay 2021
RP
92
W&S
94
JS
92
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.
20,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata 2019
Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata 2019
Catena Zapata
Nicolas Catena Zapata 2019
JS
98
VN
96
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.
94,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata
White Stones Chardonnay 2020
DCT
95
VN
97
JS
97
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 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Adrianna Fortuna Terrae 2019
Catena Zapata Adrianna Fortuna Terrae 2019
Catena Zapata
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 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata River Malbec 2019
Catena Zapata River Malbec 2019
Catena Zapata
River Malbec 2019
JS
98
RP
99
VN
95
The River Stones sector of Adrianna is planted in the path of a dried river filled with white stones covered with lime - limestone. These stones make for optimal drainage and extreme temperatures…
190,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec 2020
Catena Zapata Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec 2020
Catena Zapata
Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec 2020
265,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata
White Bones Chardonnay 2020
WS
95
WE
94
VN
96
White Bones Chardonnay comes from select rows within Block 1 of the Adrianna Vineyard. The wine is fermented and aged in French oak barrels with about two-thirds undergoing…
125,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Chardonnay 2019
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Chardonnay 2019
Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Chardonnay 2019
33,30 €
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Wine regions guide
22,90 €
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