2021 Bodegas Catena Zapata Malbec Nicasia Vineyard

Type of Wine | Red |
---|---|
Country | Argentina |
Region | |
Appellation | |
Winery | |
Vintage | 2021 |
Grape | |
Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (14%) |
Drink window | 2025 - 2032 |
Low Stock
Only 1 left
Description
In 2001, Nicolás' daughter Laura Catena took over the research and development program of the company Bodega Catena Zapata (Zapata is Nicolás' mother's maiden name). She continued her research into the very best Malbec wines, which led to the introduction of the Nicasia and Adrianna Vineyard wines in 2004. The Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard is a single-vineyard Malbec with vines from Nicasia in Altamira (La Consulta) in the south of the Uco Valley. The vineyard is located in a chalky zone which makes this Argentinean Malbec unique and wonderful. The grapes were fermented in the barrel with 5% Cabernet Franc. The grapes were harvested at six different times (depending on the terroir of the vineyard). Ripe red & black fruit, notes of ripe melon, very spicy with round and polished tannins, but also with very good freshness and a nice acidity.
The Malbec grapes for the 2019 Catena Zapata Nicasia vineyard were picked very early but with good ripeness due to the low yields in a very dry year. It is fermented in open-top vats with 100% full bunches and indigenous yeasts and matured in 500-litre oak barrels. It is a balanced and elegant Malbec with some restraint and a very fine minerality on the palate, with very fine tannins. Bodega Catena Zapata is considered the flagship of the wineries in Argentina. Robert Parker's statement says it all: 'when all is said and done, Catena Zapata is the Argentina winery of reference, the standard of excellence'.
Specifications
Type of Wine | Red |
---|---|
Country | Argentina |
Region | Mendoza |
Appellation | Valle de Uco |
Winery | Catena Zapata |
Grape | Malbec |
Biological certified | No |
Natural wine | No |
Vegan | No |
Vintage | 2021 |
Drinking as of | 2025 |
Drinking till | 2032 |
Alcohol % | 14 |
Alcohol free/low | No |
Content | 0.75 ltr |
Oak aging | Yes |
Sparkling | No |
Dessert wine | No |
Closure | Cork |
Parker rating | 96 |
James Suckling rating | 96 |
Tasting Profiles | Complex, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Rood fruit, Tannines, Vol |
Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 96
Reviewed by:
Luis Gutiérrez
Release Price:
$120
Drink Date:
2024 - 2030
The juicy and peachy 2020 Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard in Paraje Altamira is the result of a warm year in a warmish place, but the wine shows no excess and comes through as balanced, slightly riper and rounder than the 2019 I tasted next to it but keeping the poise and elegance. It has a medium to full-bodied palate with juicy and abundant tannins. 20,004 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2021.
Some of the vineyards from Catena are suffering from phylloxera, and parts of some vineyards have to be grubbed up and replanted.
Published: Nov 30, 2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Catena Zapata Malbec Paraje Altamira Valle de Uco Nicasia Vineyard 2021
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
CountryArgentina
RegionMendoza
Vintage2021
CHECK PRICE
DOWNLOAD SHELFTALKER
Score
96
A complex, layered malbec that shows a touch of white pepper and cigar box. Blackberries, chiles, chocolate and fine spices. Really juicy and compact, but nothing hefty. Quintessential flavors with dusty tannins that keep growing. Drink or hold.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
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Wijnhuis
Bodega Catena Zapata ranks among the absolute top of the Argentine wine world. This family estate from Mendoza, founded in 1902, sparked a revolution in South American viticulture. Through high-altitude pioneering and an uncompromising focus on quality, Catena Zapata not only put the Malbec grape on the map, but also helped establish Argentina’s reputation as a serious wine-producing nation. In this article, you’ll learn more about the impressive history, the iconic wines, and the innovative character of this leading winery.
Bodega Catena Zapata: Iconic Winery from Mendoza
Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina’s most influential wineries and plays a key role in shaping the global reputation of Argentine fine wine. The winery was founded in 1902 by Nicola Catena, an Italian immigrant who sought his fortune in Mendoza. He planted his first vineyard with the Malbec grape, which was then still an unknown variety in Argentina.
His son, Domingo Catena, carried on his father’s dream and became one of Mendoza’s largest vineyard owners. However, the family business also faced adversity: in the 1960s, Argentina was hit by economic instability and sky-high inflation.
Nicolás Catena: The Man Who Reinvented Argentine Wine
The young Nicolás Catena, freshly graduated as an economist, took over the business in the mid-1960s. At a time when Argentina was mainly known for bulk wine production, Nicolás made the bold decision to focus on quality. Against all odds, he sold off the table wine-producing part of the family business and retained only Bodegas Esmeralda, the foundation for high-quality wines.
His vision was revolutionary: Argentina had to leverage the quality of its terroir to compete at the highest international level. He began replanting Malbec and Chardonnay at high altitudes, including in Gualtallary, a subregion in the Uco Valley located over 1,500 meters above sea level. While many believed Malbec would never ripen at that altitude, Catena proved otherwise.
Malbec as an Argentine Icon
The Malbec grape is now inseparably linked to Argentina — largely thanks to Nicolás Catena. In 1994, he released his first Catena Malbec, made from old vines in the Adrianna Vineyard. This vineyard turned out to be of exceptional quality and helped elevate the global reputation of Malbec.
Catena even planted 145 different Malbec clones and rigorously tested their suitability. Ultimately, he selected the best clones for his top-tier wines, including those from the La Pirámide vineyard.
Laura Catena: Science Meets Winemaking
In 2001, Nicolás handed over the R&D project to his daughter Laura Catena, a medical doctor with degrees from Harvard and Stanford. Her scientific background brought a new dimension to the winemaking process. Together with her team, she focused on the extreme microclimates of the high-altitude vineyards, which led to unique expressions of Malbec.
In 2004, the decision was made to ferment the grapes from these vineyards directly in new French oak barrels. This resulted in three groundbreaking Malbecs that today stand as symbols of the winery’s innovative power.
The Wines of Catena Zapata: Five Distinct Lines
The winery produces five wine lines, each with its own character and level of quality:
- Catena Zapata: The flagship cuvées, made only in exceptional vintages.
- Catena Alta: Wines from the best parcels of high-altitude vineyards.
- Catena: The core line, balancing elegance and typicity.
- Alamos: Accessible wines with excellent value for money.
- Argento: The most commercial line, aimed at a broader market (Note: this line was later spun off and is no longer directly part of Catena Zapata).
All of these wines come from vineyards located at 900 meters or higher, clearly emphasizing Catena Zapata’s commitment to terroir and elevation.
Innovation, Vision, and Terroir at Catena Zapata
Catena Zapata is a textbook example of how vision, perseverance, and innovation can lead to international acclaim. From the first Malbec plantings in 1902 to Laura Catena’s cutting-edge vinification methods, the winery continues to evolve without losing sight of its roots.
The iconic winery building, shaped like a Mayan pyramid and designed in the 1990s, symbolizes the connection between past and future. It serves as the physical and philosophical heart of the estate.
Buying Wines from Bodega Catena Zapata at Grandcruwijnen?
At Grandcruwijnen, we offer a wide selection of Catena wines. Whether you're looking for an approachable Alamos Malbec or an impressive Catena Alta Chardonnay, you'll find it in our assortment. Order easily online or pick up your wines at our pickup center in Dordrecht. Our sommeliers are happy to advise you on the best food pairings for your favorite Catena wines.
In 2001, Nicolás' daughter Laura Catena took over the research and development program of the company Bodega Catena Zapata (Zapata is Nicolás' mother's maiden name). She continued her research into the very best Malbec wines, which led to the introduction of the Nicasia and Adrianna Vineyard wines in 2004. The Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard is a single-vineyard Malbec with vines from Nicasia in Altamira (La Consulta) in the south of the Uco Valley. The vineyard is located in a chalky zone which makes this Argentinean Malbec unique and wonderful. The grapes were fermented in the barrel with 5% Cabernet Franc. The grapes were harvested at six different times (depending on the terroir of the vineyard). Ripe red & black fruit, notes of ripe melon, very spicy with round and polished tannins, but also with very good freshness and a nice acidity.
The Malbec grapes for the 2019 Catena Zapata Nicasia vineyard were picked very early but with good ripeness due to the low yields in a very dry year. It is fermented in open-top vats with 100% full bunches and indigenous yeasts and matured in 500-litre oak barrels. It is a balanced and elegant Malbec with some restraint and a very fine minerality on the palate, with very fine tannins. Bodega Catena Zapata is considered the flagship of the wineries in Argentina. Robert Parker's statement says it all: 'when all is said and done, Catena Zapata is the Argentina winery of reference, the standard of excellence'.
Type of Wine | Red |
---|---|
Country | Argentina |
Region | Mendoza |
Appellation | Valle de Uco |
Winery | Catena Zapata |
Grape | Malbec |
Biological certified | No |
Natural wine | No |
Vegan | No |
Vintage | 2021 |
Drinking as of | 2025 |
Drinking till | 2032 |
Alcohol % | 14 |
Alcohol free/low | No |
Content | 0.75 ltr |
Oak aging | Yes |
Sparkling | No |
Dessert wine | No |
Closure | Cork |
Parker rating | 96 |
James Suckling rating | 96 |
Tasting Profiles | Complex, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Rood fruit, Tannines, Vol |
Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe |
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 96
Reviewed by:
Luis Gutiérrez
Release Price:
$120
Drink Date:
2024 - 2030
The juicy and peachy 2020 Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard in Paraje Altamira is the result of a warm year in a warmish place, but the wine shows no excess and comes through as balanced, slightly riper and rounder than the 2019 I tasted next to it but keeping the poise and elegance. It has a medium to full-bodied palate with juicy and abundant tannins. 20,004 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2021.
Some of the vineyards from Catena are suffering from phylloxera, and parts of some vineyards have to be grubbed up and replanted.
Published: Nov 30, 2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Catena Zapata Malbec Paraje Altamira Valle de Uco Nicasia Vineyard 2021
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
CountryArgentina
RegionMendoza
Vintage2021
CHECK PRICE
DOWNLOAD SHELFTALKER
Score
96
A complex, layered malbec that shows a touch of white pepper and cigar box. Blackberries, chiles, chocolate and fine spices. Really juicy and compact, but nothing hefty. Quintessential flavors with dusty tannins that keep growing. Drink or hold.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Bodega Catena Zapata ranks among the absolute top of the Argentine wine world. This family estate from Mendoza, founded in 1902, sparked a revolution in South American viticulture. Through high-altitude pioneering and an uncompromising focus on quality, Catena Zapata not only put the Malbec grape on the map, but also helped establish Argentina’s reputation as a serious wine-producing nation. In this article, you’ll learn more about the impressive history, the iconic wines, and the innovative character of this leading winery.
Bodega Catena Zapata: Iconic Winery from Mendoza
Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina’s most influential wineries and plays a key role in shaping the global reputation of Argentine fine wine. The winery was founded in 1902 by Nicola Catena, an Italian immigrant who sought his fortune in Mendoza. He planted his first vineyard with the Malbec grape, which was then still an unknown variety in Argentina.
His son, Domingo Catena, carried on his father’s dream and became one of Mendoza’s largest vineyard owners. However, the family business also faced adversity: in the 1960s, Argentina was hit by economic instability and sky-high inflation.
Nicolás Catena: The Man Who Reinvented Argentine Wine
The young Nicolás Catena, freshly graduated as an economist, took over the business in the mid-1960s. At a time when Argentina was mainly known for bulk wine production, Nicolás made the bold decision to focus on quality. Against all odds, he sold off the table wine-producing part of the family business and retained only Bodegas Esmeralda, the foundation for high-quality wines.
His vision was revolutionary: Argentina had to leverage the quality of its terroir to compete at the highest international level. He began replanting Malbec and Chardonnay at high altitudes, including in Gualtallary, a subregion in the Uco Valley located over 1,500 meters above sea level. While many believed Malbec would never ripen at that altitude, Catena proved otherwise.
Malbec as an Argentine Icon
The Malbec grape is now inseparably linked to Argentina — largely thanks to Nicolás Catena. In 1994, he released his first Catena Malbec, made from old vines in the Adrianna Vineyard. This vineyard turned out to be of exceptional quality and helped elevate the global reputation of Malbec.
Catena even planted 145 different Malbec clones and rigorously tested their suitability. Ultimately, he selected the best clones for his top-tier wines, including those from the La Pirámide vineyard.
Laura Catena: Science Meets Winemaking
In 2001, Nicolás handed over the R&D project to his daughter Laura Catena, a medical doctor with degrees from Harvard and Stanford. Her scientific background brought a new dimension to the winemaking process. Together with her team, she focused on the extreme microclimates of the high-altitude vineyards, which led to unique expressions of Malbec.
In 2004, the decision was made to ferment the grapes from these vineyards directly in new French oak barrels. This resulted in three groundbreaking Malbecs that today stand as symbols of the winery’s innovative power.
The Wines of Catena Zapata: Five Distinct Lines
The winery produces five wine lines, each with its own character and level of quality:
- Catena Zapata: The flagship cuvées, made only in exceptional vintages.
- Catena Alta: Wines from the best parcels of high-altitude vineyards.
- Catena: The core line, balancing elegance and typicity.
- Alamos: Accessible wines with excellent value for money.
- Argento: The most commercial line, aimed at a broader market (Note: this line was later spun off and is no longer directly part of Catena Zapata).
All of these wines come from vineyards located at 900 meters or higher, clearly emphasizing Catena Zapata’s commitment to terroir and elevation.
Innovation, Vision, and Terroir at Catena Zapata
Catena Zapata is a textbook example of how vision, perseverance, and innovation can lead to international acclaim. From the first Malbec plantings in 1902 to Laura Catena’s cutting-edge vinification methods, the winery continues to evolve without losing sight of its roots.
The iconic winery building, shaped like a Mayan pyramid and designed in the 1990s, symbolizes the connection between past and future. It serves as the physical and philosophical heart of the estate.
Buying Wines from Bodega Catena Zapata at Grandcruwijnen?
At Grandcruwijnen, we offer a wide selection of Catena wines. Whether you're looking for an approachable Alamos Malbec or an impressive Catena Alta Chardonnay, you'll find it in our assortment. Order easily online or pick up your wines at our pickup center in Dordrecht. Our sommeliers are happy to advise you on the best food pairings for your favorite Catena wines.