Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata 2021

Region and Vineyards

The 2021 Nicolás Catena Zapata is born from two of Mendoza’s most exceptional high-altitude crus: Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary (planted in 1992 at 1,450 m) and Nicasia Vineyard in Paraje Altamira (planted in 1996 at 1,095 m). These sites, located in the Uco Valley, showcase contrasting terroirs—Adrianna with calcareous gravels, Nicasia with gravel, sand and loam—contributing complexity and minerality to the final blend.

2021 was a cool vintage with moderate rainfall, offering ideal conditions for slow, balanced ripening. Particularly beneficial for Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in these altitudes and cooler temperatures, the vintage enabled long macerations without overextraction—preserving freshness and tannin finesse.

Winemaking

Harvested by hand, the grapes underwent fermentation in small oak barrels, concrete, and stainless-steel tanks at 26–28°C for 15 days, followed by maceration of 18 to 22 days to build structure and depth. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, enhancing integration and complexity.

The final blend is curated under the guidance of Dr. Nicolás Catena himself, together with Wine Director Alejandro Vigil and Winemaker Fernando Buscema. The 2021 assemblage includes 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Malbec, and 10% Cabernet Franc, all sourced from old, ungrafted vines—a nod to Argentina’s viticultural legacy.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with violet edges, bright and youthful.
• Aroma: Highly perfumed, offering layers of cassis, blackberry, dried rose petals, graphite, and subtle oak spices.
• Palate: Full-bodied yet refined, showing dark fruit intensity, vibrant acidity, and velvety tannins. The palate is structured and linear, with long mineral tension and a persistent, elegant finish.

Did you know?

Nicolás Catena Zapata 1997 was the first Argentine luxury wine to be sold on La Place de Bordeaux, and it helped redefine the international perception of South American fine wine. Its stylistic inspiration comes from historical Bordeaux blends—before Merlot dominated, when Malbec stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Cabernet Sauvignon in the Médoc. Today, this cuvée is a global icon, produced from ungrafted massale vines that reflect Argentina’s unique viticultural heritage.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Beef Wellington with truffle jus: The wine’s depth and acidity stand up to the richness and savoriness of this classic.
• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary: Herbaceous notes of Cabernet Franc and freshness pair beautifully with lamb.
• Mature Comté or aged Manchego: Hard cheeses bring out the wine’s structure and layered aromatics.
• Duck breast with cherry reduction: A luxurious, fruit-acid harmony matches the blend’s finesse.

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.