Catena Zapata La Marchigiana Criolla 2025

Region and Vineyards

Mendoza's Uco Valley rises dramatically toward the Andes, and Gualtallary is one of its most distinctive high-altitude zones. La Marchigiana Criolla 2025 comes from vines at approximately 1,400 metres, where strong sunlight and cool mountain influence help preserve freshness while extending aromatic development. The setting gives the wine an energetic profile, balancing ripe fruit with savoury, mineral nuances.

The vineyard soils are described as alluvial, reflecting material deposited over time by Andean watercourses. These soils support drainage and balanced vine vigour, favouring concentration without heaviness. In the glass, the combination of elevation and soil translates into dark colour, vivid cherry and blackberry fruit, herbal lift, graphite tones and a refreshing finish. Gualtallary places this Criolla in a contemporary Argentine context, where heritage varieties are interpreted with precision and an emphasis on site expression.

Winemaking

Catena Zapata makes this wine from 100% Criolla, presenting the variety in a dark, dry red style. Fruit undergoes 14 days of skin maceration, allowing colour, perfume and gentle tannic structure to develop while preserving the grape's juicy character. The finished wine reaches 14% alcohol, with measured acidity of 3.6 g/L supporting its lively profile.

After maceration, the wine spends four months in amphorae, or tinajas, a vessel choice that echoes the clay botijas used in Argentina's winemaking history. Alejandro Vigil and Laura Catena champion this approach, linking the Catena family's Italian heritage from Le Marche with a modern Mendoza interpretation. No sulfites are added. Amphora maturation keeps the texture supple and the fruit transparent, allowing morello cherry, blackberry, herbs, pepper, graphite and warm-stone notes to remain clearly defined through a firm, refreshing finish.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, dark red with youthful violet highlights.
• Aroma: Morello cherry, fresh blackberry, aromatic herbs, black pepper, graphite and warm stone.
• Palate: Juicy and vibrant, with fresh acidity, firm yet polished tannins, concentrated dark fruit and a lively, refreshing finish.

Did You Know?

The name La Marchigiana honours the Catena family's roots in Le Marche, Italy, and recalls Nicola Catena's heritage. The wine's amphora élevage also pays tribute to Argentina's traditional clay botijas, connecting historic practice with contemporary precision.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled pork: The wine's juicy cherry fruit and peppery herbal notes complement smoky, caramelised pork.
• Mushroom risotto: Earthy mushrooms echo the wine's graphite and warm-stone nuances, while its acidity refreshes the creamy texture.
• Dry-aged beef carpaccio: Firm tannins and mineral freshness provide a clean counterpoint to the beef's savoury richness.
• Herb-roasted lamb: Aromatic herbs in the dish mirror the wine's lifted botanical character and vibrant red-fruit profile.

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.