Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Nicasia Vineyard is located in Altamira, within the renowned La Consulta district of the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina. This region is celebrated for its unique terroir, which provides ideal growing conditions for Malbec.

• Situated at an impressive elevation of 1,095 meters (3,593 feet) above sea level, the vineyard benefits from cool mountain breezes and significant diurnal temperature variation, which allow the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving their natural acidity and aromatic intensity.
• The sandy soils in this vineyard ensure excellent drainage, resulting in small, concentrated berries that produce wines of power, elegance, and purity.
• Planted in 1996, the vines are trained using the Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) system. With yields of only 1.2 tons per acre, the vineyard produces low-yield, high-quality fruit with exceptional concentration.

The vineyard's northwestern exposure allows for optimal sunlight during the ripening period, ensuring balanced development of flavor, tannin, and acidity.

Winemaking

The Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec is crafted using meticulous, small-scale winemaking techniques to capture the vineyard's unique character and preserve the integrity of the fruit.

The wine is made from 100% Malbec. Grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted before undergoing alcoholic fermentation in a combination of vertical open barriques and small stainless-steel tanks. Fermentation lasts for 17 days at temperatures ranging between 25°C and 30°C (77-86°F), with manual punch-downs ensuring gentle extraction of color, tannins, and flavors.

After fermentation, the wine undergoes an extended 26-day maceration on the skins to enhance its structure and depth. The wine is then transferred to 100% new French oak barriques (225L) for 18 months of aging, allowing for seamless integration of oak, softening of tannins, and development of complex secondary flavors. A final period of 24 months of bottle aging ensures that the wine is beautifully refined upon release.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Intense, deep violet with garnet reflections.
• Aroma: The nose is rich and expressive, offering ripe notes of blackcurrant, red raspberries, and subtle floral hints of violet. Delicate layers of vanilla, spicecake, and a touch of elegant French oak add further complexity.
• Palate: Full-bodied and harmonious, with velvety tannins and a luxurious texture. Flavors of ripe blueberries, cassis, and dark plums mingle with nuances of vanilla and a whisper of baking spices. The wine is layered and structured, leading to a long, smooth finish with lingering notes of dark fruit and subtle oak.

Did You Know?

The Nicasia Vineyard was planted by the Catena family in 1996 as part of their vision to produce single-vineyard wines that reflect Mendoza's high-altitude terroir. The vineyard's precise location in Altamira is one of the most sought-after sub-regions of the Uco Valley due to its sandy soils and cool climate, which produce Malbec wines of finesse and longevity.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Filet de bœuf rôti avec sauce aux champignons shiitake : La richesse et la complexité du vin s'accordent magnifiquement avec les saveurs umami et la texture tendre du filet.
• Côte de bœuf grillée aux herbes : La structure tannique et les notes épicées du Malbec subliment la viande grillée.
• Agneau rôti aux herbes provençales : Les saveurs juteuses et les épices du vin équilibrent la tendreté de l'agneau.
• Empanadas à la viande : Les arômes de fruits noirs et l'élégance du chêne se marient parfaitement avec ce plat argentin classique.

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.