CATENA ZAPATA - Nicolas Catena Zapata 2016
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.
With its inaugural 1997 vintage, Nicolás Catena Zapata became the first luxury cuvée from Argentina to be exported to the world. The wine recreates the “original” Bordeaux blend of the 18th and 19th centuries, when Malbec dominated Merlot and was on par with Cabernet Sauvignon. Pre-phylloxeric massal selections of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon from ungrafted vines are used to make this wine. The blend is made from Cabernet Sauvignon (61%), Malbec (31%) and Cabernet Franc (8%). Fermentation takes place in 500-litres oak barrels, concrete and stainless steel tanks for around 10 to 15 days. The post-fermentation maceration lasts between 5 and 10 days. The wine undergoes its malolactic fermentation and is then aged in French oak barrels for 18 months.
Grape varieties: 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Malbec, 8% Cabernet Franc
