2022 Catena Zapata Cabernet Franc Appellations San Carlos
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| Type of Wine | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | |
| Appellation | |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Grape | |
| Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (13.5%) |
| Drink window | 2024 - 2030 |
- Buy 6 for 14.95 12.36 each and save 5%
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Description
The appellation range continues to grow at Catena Zapata and the new name this time is Appellation San Carlos Cabernet Franc, produced with grapes from the most fashionable red variety at the moment. The wine comes from 20-year-old vines in El Cepillo, one of the cooler locations of San Carlos in the Uco Valley. It is aged in French oak barrels for a year before bottling. In terms of price/quality, it really can't be beaten.
The San Carlos vineyards are located at an altitude of 1,090 meters. The soil is of alluvial origin, which means that the soil is made up of different layers. The vineyards consist of 70% of a loamy sandy soil with thick limestone layers with rounded rocks on the bottom. The remaining part consists of 10% small and 20% silt. This wine undergoes a cold maceration for 3 days at 10ºC. The juice is then fermented for 20 days with a subsequent maceration of 10 days. After fermentation, the wine matures for 12 months in French oak barrels (of which 35% are new). The selection of barrels varies depending on the vineyard and the vintage.
In the glass this 100% cabernet franc is deep purple-red. The San Carlos Cabernet Franc from Zapata is a full wine with intense tones of ripe cherries, strawberries and a hint of raspberry. In addition, a hint of vanilla and caramel. In the mouth the wine is juicy, full and elegant in taste with ripe red fruit, eucalyptus and a hint of laurel.
Specifications
| Type of Wine | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | Mendoza |
| Appellation | Valle de Uco |
| Winery | Catena Zapata |
| Grape | Cabernet Franc |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Drinking as of | 2024 |
| Drinking till | 2030 |
| Alcohol % | 13.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Promotion | Tier Price |
| Parker rating | 93 |
| James Suckling rating | 92 |
| Tasting Profiles | Droog, Fruitig, Rood fruit, Soepel |
| Drink moments | Barbecue, Borrelen, Met vrienden, Open haard, Voor alledag |
Professional Reviews
Parker
RP 93
Drink Date:
2023 - 2028
The peppery, spicy and elegant 2021 Appellation San Carlos Cabernet Franc is fresh, varietal, nuanced and complex while keeping the alcohol to a moderate 13.6%, which makes it attractive and easy to drink, with nice balance and very fine tannins. I usually like the precision and symmetry in this lively wine that has a velvety mouthfeel. 96,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2021.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
CATENA CABERNET FRANC SAN CARLOS MENDOZA 2021
Score
92
A very juicy cabernet franc with fresh red cherries, olives and spice box. Very expressive and chalky on the palate with a medium body and a linear finish. Some white pepper at the end. Drink now.
Zekun Shuai
Senior Editor
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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.
The appellation range continues to grow at Catena Zapata and the new name this time is Appellation San Carlos Cabernet Franc, produced with grapes from the most fashionable red variety at the moment. The wine comes from 20-year-old vines in El Cepillo, one of the cooler locations of San Carlos in the Uco Valley. It is aged in French oak barrels for a year before bottling. In terms of price/quality, it really can't be beaten.
The San Carlos vineyards are located at an altitude of 1,090 meters. The soil is of alluvial origin, which means that the soil is made up of different layers. The vineyards consist of 70% of a loamy sandy soil with thick limestone layers with rounded rocks on the bottom. The remaining part consists of 10% small and 20% silt. This wine undergoes a cold maceration for 3 days at 10ºC. The juice is then fermented for 20 days with a subsequent maceration of 10 days. After fermentation, the wine matures for 12 months in French oak barrels (of which 35% are new). The selection of barrels varies depending on the vineyard and the vintage.
In the glass this 100% cabernet franc is deep purple-red. The San Carlos Cabernet Franc from Zapata is a full wine with intense tones of ripe cherries, strawberries and a hint of raspberry. In addition, a hint of vanilla and caramel. In the mouth the wine is juicy, full and elegant in taste with ripe red fruit, eucalyptus and a hint of laurel.
| Type of Wine | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | Mendoza |
| Appellation | Valle de Uco |
| Winery | Catena Zapata |
| Grape | Cabernet Franc |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Drinking as of | 2024 |
| Drinking till | 2030 |
| Alcohol % | 13.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Promotion | Tier Price |
| Parker rating | 93 |
| James Suckling rating | 92 |
| Tasting Profiles | Droog, Fruitig, Rood fruit, Soepel |
| Drink moments | Barbecue, Borrelen, Met vrienden, Open haard, Voor alledag |
Parker
RP 93
Drink Date:
2023 - 2028
The peppery, spicy and elegant 2021 Appellation San Carlos Cabernet Franc is fresh, varietal, nuanced and complex while keeping the alcohol to a moderate 13.6%, which makes it attractive and easy to drink, with nice balance and very fine tannins. I usually like the precision and symmetry in this lively wine that has a velvety mouthfeel. 96,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2021.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
CATENA CABERNET FRANC SAN CARLOS MENDOZA 2021
Score
92
A very juicy cabernet franc with fresh red cherries, olives and spice box. Very expressive and chalky on the palate with a medium body and a linear finish. Some white pepper at the end. Drink now.
Zekun Shuai
Senior Editor
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.