Bodega Catena Zapata : Argentino 2019

A red Argentine wine from a concentrated vintage

The estate

The pioneering Nicola Catena founded Bodega Catena Zapata in 1902, planting his first plots of Malbec within the exceptional vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina.

This family estate, in a constant quest for excellence, exprienced a new boom when it was taken over by Nicolás Catena Zapata in the 1960s. With the wish to revolutionise production methods for Argentine wines, Nicolás Catena Zapata is inspired by the vinification of Napa Valley wines and is revealing new, high-altitude terroirs to magnify the expression of the grape varieties.

Nicknamed "South America’s Grand Cru", Bodega Catena Zapata is a renowned international reference, recognised by critics for the finesse and elegance of its wines.

The vineyard

Argentino Malbec 2019 by Catena Zapata is produced from old vines from the Nicasia and Angélica vineyards and planted with a pre-phylloxeric massal selection from Angélica Vineyard. The grapes therefore come from altitudes which vary between 900 and 1100 metres above sea level alongside various soils made up of light gravel, silt or even clay.

The wine

Argentino Malbec 2019 by Catena Zapata is a tribute to the Malbec grape variety, its French history and its emergence in South America following the ravages caused by phylloxera in Europe. Here, phylloxera is represented as the personification of death: the death of Malbec in the Old World before its renaissance in the New, where it now produces wines that can be considered amongst the greatest wines in the world.

Winemaking and ageing

Argentino Malbec 2019 is produced through fermentations, 20% of which are in whole bunches, within 100% new French oak barrels for 28 days, thus allowing the wood to be well-integrated. The fermentations are carried out at low temperatures with indigenous yeasts. The wine then rests on its lees in barrels for an 18-month ageing process.

Blend

This wine is 100% Malbec.

Tasting

Argentino Malbec 2019 by Catena Zapata is a wine that is more concentrated than in other vintages, marked by aromas of black fruit, dark chocolate and black truffle, all of which are sustained by precise and fine tannins.

Food and wine pairings

Argentino Malbec 2019 goes perfectly with game or cheeses.

Serving

For an optimal tasting, serve between 16°C and 18°C.