Catena Zapata Nicolas 2022

Region and Vineyards

Nicolás Catena Zapata 2022 draws on two high-altitude crus in Mendoza's Uco Valley. At Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec grow at 1,450 metres on calcareous gravel soils. Planted in 1992, this 17-hectare site brings the tension and definition associated with extreme elevation.

Further south, Nicasia Vineyard in Paraje Altamira sits at 1,095 metres. Its 15 hectares, planted in 1996, combine gravel, sand and loam, and supply Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The blend therefore joins the personalities of two celebrated Andean terroirs: Adrianna's stony precision and Nicasia's layered alluvial character. Pre-phylloxera massal selections of ungrafted Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon connect the wine to Catena Zapata's exploration of Argentina's historic vine material. Together, these vineyards frame a red of altitude, freshness and depth, rooted unmistakably in Mendoza.

Winemaking

The 2022 assemblage is 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Malbec and 11% Cabernet Franc. Each parcel was harvested by hand, then fermented in small oak barrels, concrete and stainless-steel vessels at 26 to 28 °C for approximately 15 days. Total maceration extended from 18 to 22 days, extracting colour, flavour and structure with measured precision.

After malolactic fermentation, the wine matured for 18 months in French oak barrels. This élevage supports the blend's dark fruit, savoury spice and polished tannins while preserving the lift of its high-altitude origins. Wine director Alejandro Vigil and winemaker Fernando Buscema guided the process, with Nicolás Catena Zapata supervising the final assembly. Bottled at 13.9% alcohol, with 5.8 g/L total acidity and a pH of 3.65, it balances concentration with freshness and a firm architectural line.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby-purple, with a youthful density and vivid crimson reflections.
• Aroma: Cassis, blackberry, red plum and sour cherry unfold alongside lavender, mint and eucalyptus. Cedar, sandalwood, liquorice, espresso, dark chocolate, tobacco, anise and peppery herbs contribute layered savoury complexity.
• Palate: Concentrated black fruit and redcurrant are carried by sculpted, finely grained tannins. Fresh acidity and a subtle saline quality create lift, while dark chocolate, black pepper and tobacco linger through a poised, persistent finish.

Did You Know?

Nicolás Catena Zapata was first produced in 1997 as an ambitious expression of Argentina's potential for world-class blended reds. Its inspiration reaches back to eighteenth and nineteenth-century Bordeaux, when Malbec played a more prominent role alongside Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine reinterprets that historic partnership through high-altitude Mendoza vineyards.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Herb-crusted rack of lamb: The meat's richness complements the wine's structured tannins, while rosemary and thyme echo its herbal and savoury nuances.
• Charcoal-grilled ribeye: Marbling softens the firm tannic frame, and the smoky crust resonates with notes of tobacco, pepper and dark chocolate.
• Braised beef with mushrooms: Slow-cooked depth and earthy mushrooms draw out the blend's plum, cedar and liquorice complexity.
• Aged Comté: The cheese's nutty intensity and crystalline texture pair beautifully with the wine's concentrated fruit, freshness and persistent finish.

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.