Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata 2019

Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata 2019

 

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Catena Zapata
Nicolas Catena Zapata 2019
  • Vintage : 2019
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,5°
  • Grappes : 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 21% Malbec

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.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 98 2019
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 96 2019
RP Robert Parker 96 2019
DCT Decanter 96 2019
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Catena Zapata estate is located in Mendoza, Argentina, a region renowned for its high-altitude vineyards and exceptional viticultural conditions. The grapes for this wine are sourced from the La Pirámide, Domingo, Adrianna, and Nicasia vineyards, each contributing unique characteristics due to their varied elevations ranging from 950 to 1,450 meters above sea level. This high altitude ensures cooler temperatures and greater diurnal temperature variations, which are crucial for developing the grapes' complexity and aromatic intensity.

The soil in these vineyards is primarily sandy-loam, providing excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture to sustain the vines. The vineyards are managed using the Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) training system, optimizing sunlight exposure and air circulation. With a vine density of 5,486 vines per hectare and a yield of 1.2 tons per hectare, the focus is on quality over quantity, ensuring each grape contributes to the wine's concentrated flavors.

Winemaking

The Nicolás Catena Zapata is composed of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, and 25% Cabernet Franc. The grapes are hand-harvested between March and April, ensuring optimal ripeness. Fermentation takes place in vertical open barriques and small stainless steel tanks, with a fermentation temperature maintained between 26-30°C for about 20 days. Manual punching down is employed during the 25-35 day maceration period to enhance extraction.

Malolactic fermentation occurs in barriques and small vats, all made from 100% new French oak, contributing to the wine's complexity and aging potential. The wine is aged for 24 months in these barrels, followed by an additional 12-18 months of bottle aging before release.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Intense, deep purple with bluish-black tones.
  • Aroma: Aromas of black fruits such as blackberries, black cherries, and black plums dominate, with subtle notes of vanilla and dark chocolate, intermingled with savory hints of green olive and stony minerality.
  • Palate: The palate is tremendously complex, revealing layers of red currant, eucalyptus, and black pepper flavors. Black cherries and blackberries transition to cassis, followed by a hint of saline minerality. The wine is remarkably concentrated with a firm tannic structure, providing the backbone for the lush fruit. The finish is long, indicating the wine's excellent aging potential.

Did you know?

The inaugural 1997 vintage of Nicolás Catena Zapata set a new standard for South American wines by winning a series of blind tastings against prestigious First Growth Bordeaux and other esteemed cuvées worldwide. This wine is crafted from specially marked vines within the Catena family's vineyards, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and exceptional quality.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Bone-in Ribeye Steak: The rich, robust flavors of the wine complement the juicy, charred steak, enhancing the meat's savory depth.
  • Lamb Chops with Rosemary: The wine’s tannins and complexity balance the rich, earthy flavors of the lamb, while the rosemary adds a complementary herbal note.
  • Dark Chocolate Tart: The dark chocolate notes in the wine harmonize with the dessert, creating a luxurious pairing experience.
  • Aged Gouda: The wine's firm structure and fruity notes pair wonderfully with the sharp, nutty flavors of aged Gouda, making for an elegant cheese course.

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) : 98 Points (2019)
This has a complex nose of baked blackberries, grilled plums, dried earth, moss, pine cones, sandalwood, charcoal and cloves. It’s medium-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins. Wow. So much going on. Layered, seamless and silky. Incredible length. Keeps going. 42% cabernet sauvignon, 30% malbec and 28% cabernet franc.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 96 Points (2019)
The 2019 Nicolas Catena Zapata is a blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec and 28% Cabernet Franc from the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. Having spent 18 months in new French barrels, it’s garnet red in hue. The 2019 has a nose of cedar, expressive, dark fruit notes such as plum and blackcurrant, gentle traces of sweet spices and herbs and a hint of amaretti. Broad and velvety in the mouth with a juicy palate and a delicate tea-like texture, the grip lends essential structure. This is a subtle, complex red of long-lasting flavor to which the excellent year has brought an extra level of finesse.

Robert Parker (RP) : 96 Points (2019)
The 2019 Nicolás Catena Zapata was produced with 42% Cabernet Sauvignon from Gualtallary (Adrianna Vineyard), 30% Malbec from Altamira (Nicasia Vineyard) and a high percentage of Cabernet Franc (28%), also from Adrianna, which took the place of Cabernet Sauvignon. It fermented in small oak barrels, concrete and stainless steel tanks with a short post-fermentative maceration. Élevage was in first and second-use French oak barrels and lasted for 18 months, including malolactic. Best after 2025.

Decanter (DCT) : 96 Points (2019)
Deep, concentrated, bramble and blackcurrant fruit cut through by a racy breeziness of Christmas spices, forest floor and fresh herbs. So youthful, dense and luxurious with an impressive intensity and racy acidity, though at the moment the sweet vanilla oak is quite overt. Imposing tannins, lingering perfume and mouthwatering juiciness, this will age superbly.

Catena Zapata Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
JS
93
RP
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
VN
95
JS
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
Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec is a refined and elegant single-vineyard Malbec, produced from meticulously selected vines in one of the Catena family’s historic vineyards.
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 Malbec Argentino is a flagship Argentine Malbec, paying tribute to the grape's journey from Cahors, France, to its rebirth in Argentina, where it found its ultimate expression.
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
Catena Alta Chardonnay is a high-altitude Chardonnay from Mendoza, Argentina, offering elegance and complexity shaped by the unique Adrianna and Domingo vineyards, renowned for their distinct terroir at nearly 1,500 meters.
31,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Catena Malbec 2021
Catena Zapata Catena Malbec 2021
Catena Zapata
Catena Malbec 2021
JS
91
RP
91
W&S
90
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.
22,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Catena Chardonnay 2021
Catena Zapata Catena Chardonnay 2021
Catena Zapata
Catena Chardonnay 2021
JS
92
RP
92
W&S
94
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 White Stones Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata
White Stones Chardonnay 2020
WS
90
RP
96
DCT
95
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 2020
Catena Zapata River Malbec 2020
Catena Zapata
River Malbec 2020
WS
93
RP
97
JS
98
Sourced from the River sector of Adrianna Vineyard, at an elevation of 1,372 meters (4,500 feet), this wine captures Mendoza’s vibrant acidity, minerality, and concentrated aromas, making it a hallmark of high-altitude winemaking.
175,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec 2020
Catena Zapata Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec 2020
Catena Zapata
Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec 2020
RP
97
JS
97
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae is a powerful, high-altitude Malbec sourced from the iconic Adrianna Vineyard, renowned for its mineral complexity and structured elegance.
260,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata
White Bones Chardonnay 2020
WS
95
RP
99
WE
94
White Bones Chardonnay 2020 is a singular expression of the Adrianna Vineyard, combining vibrant citrus and white fruit flavors with a profound minerality, showcasing Mendoza’s high-altitude terroir.
125,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Chardonnay 2020
JS
94
RP
92
WS
92
Catena Alta Chardonnay is a premium Argentine Chardonnay that beautifully combines elegance, complexity, and minerality, reflecting the unique terroirs of high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza.
32,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2018
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2018
Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Malbec 2018
WS
91
RP
93
WE
93
The Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2018 is an elegant, high-altitude expression of Malbec, offering a sophisticated depth that reflects Argentina's most historic vineyards.
49,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2021
Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2021
Catena Zapata
White Stones Chardonnay 2021
RP
98
WE
95
VN
97
Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2021 is a masterpiece of high-altitude winemaking, offering a vivid expression of Mendoza’s Adrianna Vineyard. This wine shines with its precision, elegance, and pure mineral character.
125,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
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