Catena Zapata Argentino Vineyard Malbec 2022

98 Points - James Suckling

TEN CENTURIES OF LIFE, DEATH AND REBIRTH

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. She is a strong, Old-World presence, lingering at the bridge in Cahors, where Malbec came into its own. 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. Today, the Catena family’s fourth generation leads the high-altitude renaissance in Argentina. We are returning Malbec to the sky… where it belongs.

WINE DESCRIPTION

No matter what the vintage, this wine is really more than 100 years old. It represents a family’s journey to produce an Argentine Malbec that can stand with the great wines of the world.

VINIFICATION

This wine goes through an extensive cold maceration (10 – 30% Whole Cluster) of 2-10 days at less than 50ºF (10ºC) to extract aromas. The juice is then fermented for around 17-28 days with a total maceration of approximately 25-38 days. Elevage: 15-18 months in French Oak barrel. First, second and third use barrels.

VINEYARDS

Old Vines from the Catena Zapata Family Vineyards, Nicasia and Angélica. The origins of the vines, which we call “The Catena Cuttings”, is a pre-phylloxeric Massale Selection from the Angélica Vineyard.

Harvest time varies depending on each lot’s soil composition. Harvest time can vary by several weeks between one lot and another within the same vineyard.

Nicasia Vineyard: Named after Nicolás Catena Zapata’s grandmother.

Shallow loamy soil. Gravel on surface and topsoil.

Location: La Consulta District, San Carlos Region, Mendoza, Argentina.

Altitude: 3,593 ft (1,095 m) elevation.

Planted in 1996 (20 years old vineyard).

Angélica Vineyard: Named after Nicolás Catena Zapata’s mother.

Soil: Adjacent to dry river bed. Light gravel, loam and clay.

Location: Lunlunta District, Maipú Region, Mendoza, Argentina.

Altitude: 3,018 ft (920 m) elevation.

Planted in: Circa 1930 (90 years old vineyard)

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Varietal: 100% Malbec

Alcohol: 13.80 %

Total Acidity: 6.1 grams/liter

pH: 3.60

Wine Director: Alejandro Vigil

Winemaker: Ernesto Bajda