Catena Zapata - Malbec Argentino 2022
Founded in 1902 in Mendoza by Nicola Catena, the Bodega Catena Zapata is today considered one of the most influential estates in Argentina. Under the leadership of Nicolás Catena Zapata and then his daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, the estate has greatly contributed to the international recognition of great Argentine wines thanks to a pioneering vision of high-altitude vineyards. The Malbec Argentino cuvée symbolizes this family adventure and pays tribute to more than a century of research around Malbec. Its label, which has become emblematic, traces the history of the grape variety from its French origins to its flourishing in the Argentine Andes. Produced only in vintages meeting the house's quality requirements, this cuvée expresses all the richness of the old pre-phylloxera massal selections preserved by the Catena family. The 2022 vintage once again confirms the level of excellence of this iconic wine, combining depth, freshness, and precision. It is now among the great global references for Malbec.
This cuvée is made exclusively from Malbec coming from the historic Angelica and Nicasia vineyards, located in the Mendoza province between 920 and 1,095 meters altitude. The vines come from pre-phylloxera massal selections preserved by the Catena family, offering a particularly complex and refined expression of the grape variety. The alluvial soils, composed of clay, silt, and pebbles, promote excellent drainage while bringing depth and finesse to the grapes. The harvest is done manually, parcel by parcel, according to the maturity of each terroir. A cold pre-fermentation maceration with 10 to 30% whole clusters precedes a fermentation of about three weeks, followed by a long maceration to gently extract the matter and aromas. Aging lasts between 15 and 18 months in French oak barrels of first, second, and third use, bringing complexity and elegance without masking the fruit's identity. The 2022 vintage seduces with its remarkable balance between concentration, freshness, and refinement.
The color reveals a deep purple with violet reflections. The nose shows great intensity, mixing wild blackberry, black plum, Morello cherry, and violet, then evolving towards notes of cocoa, blond tobacco, sweet spices, graphite, and cedar. On the palate, the attack is broad and velvety, supported by dense but perfectly controlled matter. The tannins, remarkably fine, support a bright fruit while gradually revealing mineral and balsamic nuances that extend the tasting. The finish, particularly long, combines freshness, elegance, and depth with remarkable precision. This Malbec will ideally accompany a matured ribeye, a venison fillet, a roasted rack of lamb, duck breast, Argentine empanadas, or aged hard cheeses. Served between 16 and 18°C after one hour of decanting, it will happily continue its evolution for more than twenty years.
Grape variety: 100% Malbec
