CATENA ZAPATA - Malbec Argentino 2019
Bodega Catena Zapata is one of the main producer in Mendoza, Argentina. It was founded in 1902, still belongs to the Catena Zapata family and is now managed by Nicolás Catena Zapata. The estate spreads over six vineyards in the sub-regions of Luján de Cuyo, Tupungato and San Carlos de Mendoza, at altitudes ranging from 920 to 1,450 meters above sea level. The winery, with its pyramidal shape of Mayan influence, is located in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo. Catena produces a wide range of wines under several different labels. The top range is the Catena Zapata line, which includes four wines from two different vineyards (Nicasia and Adrianna), and the Malbec Argentino, which is produced from grapes selected from the best rows of each vineyard. The Catena and Catena Alta ranges are more “simple”, and offer varietal wines made from Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The Bodega is particularly known for its rich and full-bodied red wines, as well as for its Chardonnay fermented in barrels from high altitude sites, which combine maturity and fresh acidity.
Catena Argentino is made from old vines of Malbec from the vineyards Nicasia and Angélica. The origins of the vines, called “The Catena Cuttings”, is a prephyloxeric Massale Selection from the Angélica Vineyard. The epic tale of the noble Malbec grape is like no other, and the label for Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino pays tribute to the variety’s history in France and its rise in Argentina. Four female figures embody different landmarks in the history of the grape. Eleanor of Aquitaine represents the birth of Malbec. Next, the Immigrant symbolizes the movement to the New World and the unknown explorers and adventurers who connected Europe with the Americas. Phylloxera personifies the death of Malbec in the Old World, which enabled its rebirth in the new. Finally, there is Bodega Catena Zapata, represented by Adrianna Catena, who depicts birth, earth, and motherhood, sharing the riches of the New World.
Vinification is made with 20% whole cluster, hand-loaded into 225-500 litres new French oak barrels for a fermentation period of 30 days. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months.
Grape variety: 100% Malbec
