2022 Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon Appellations Agrelo
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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 |
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Description
Some of the Appellation wines were produced before the "Appelation" series was created, as is the case with the classic Appellation Agrelo Cabernet Sauvignon, from a classic zone in Lujan de Cuyo. It was produced with grapes from 30-year-old vines at 950 meters altitude. It has been aged in French and American oak barrels for one year. This is one of the few places where you can find old vine Cabernet Sauvignon, a classic place for the grape. It is serious, harmonious and very varietal, without green or overripe aromas. It has a good palate with very fine tannins, elegant and at the same time powerful. This is a Cabernet Sauvignon as it should be, Intense and powerful, with vanilla, spices and black pepper, full of character, but at the same time beautifully soft in the aftertaste and is a perfect accompaniment to an Argentinian grilled steak, lamb roulade with rosemary, light blue cheeses. The Wine Advocate (Parker) writes in his review: " This overdelivers"
Nicolás Catena considered Agrelo the best region for Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Cabernet simply needs a bit more heat than other grapes, and it gets it here because the vineyards are lower. The average altitude of Agrelo's vineyards is around 1,000 meters. This is not extremely high for Argentina. Agrelo is part of the famous Luján de Cuyo wine region.
These vineyards around the famous 'pyramid' of Catena, where the cellars and tasting room are located, are located in this region, some 30 kilometers south of Mendoza. Catena therefore calls this vineyard 'La Pyramide'. The deep clay soils and temperate climate of the Agrelo appellation produce wines that are revered for their robust tannins and soft, long finish.
The Cabernet is harvested from vines of over thirty years old from historic family vineyards, planted on a subsoil consisting of a mixture of clay and loam. After a cold maceration of 3 days, the grapes undergo a long fermentation of almost three weeks, to give the wine a lot of depth and structure. Maturation takes place in a mix of French and American oak, of which approximately 35% new oak. The selection of barrels varies depending on the vineyard and the vintage. It gives the wine a delicious complexity, and a lush, broad and intense character.
Specifications
| Type of Wine | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | Mendoza |
| Appellation | Agrelo |
| Winery | Catena Zapata |
| Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 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 | 92 |
| Tasting Profiles | Donker fruit, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Tannines, Vol |
| Drink moments | Barbecue, Cadeau!, Lekker luxe, Met vrienden, Open haard, Romantisch |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 92
Reviewed by:
Luis Gutiérrez
Release Price:
$22
Drink Date:
2023 - 2028
The varietal 2021 Appellation Agrelo Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a cooler part of Luján de Cuyo that was planted in 1993 and produces fresher Cabernet. The wine has 13.4% alcohol and is medium-bodied with fine varietal tannins. It matured in new and used barrels for six to eight months, depending on the lot. 48,000 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
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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.
Some of the Appellation wines were produced before the "Appelation" series was created, as is the case with the classic Appellation Agrelo Cabernet Sauvignon, from a classic zone in Lujan de Cuyo. It was produced with grapes from 30-year-old vines at 950 meters altitude. It has been aged in French and American oak barrels for one year. This is one of the few places where you can find old vine Cabernet Sauvignon, a classic place for the grape. It is serious, harmonious and very varietal, without green or overripe aromas. It has a good palate with very fine tannins, elegant and at the same time powerful. This is a Cabernet Sauvignon as it should be, Intense and powerful, with vanilla, spices and black pepper, full of character, but at the same time beautifully soft in the aftertaste and is a perfect accompaniment to an Argentinian grilled steak, lamb roulade with rosemary, light blue cheeses. The Wine Advocate (Parker) writes in his review: " This overdelivers"
Nicolás Catena considered Agrelo the best region for Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Cabernet simply needs a bit more heat than other grapes, and it gets it here because the vineyards are lower. The average altitude of Agrelo's vineyards is around 1,000 meters. This is not extremely high for Argentina. Agrelo is part of the famous Luján de Cuyo wine region.
These vineyards around the famous 'pyramid' of Catena, where the cellars and tasting room are located, are located in this region, some 30 kilometers south of Mendoza. Catena therefore calls this vineyard 'La Pyramide'. The deep clay soils and temperate climate of the Agrelo appellation produce wines that are revered for their robust tannins and soft, long finish.
The Cabernet is harvested from vines of over thirty years old from historic family vineyards, planted on a subsoil consisting of a mixture of clay and loam. After a cold maceration of 3 days, the grapes undergo a long fermentation of almost three weeks, to give the wine a lot of depth and structure. Maturation takes place in a mix of French and American oak, of which approximately 35% new oak. The selection of barrels varies depending on the vineyard and the vintage. It gives the wine a delicious complexity, and a lush, broad and intense character.
| Type of Wine | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | Mendoza |
| Appellation | Agrelo |
| Winery | Catena Zapata |
| Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 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 | 92 |
| Tasting Profiles | Donker fruit, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Tannines, Vol |
| Drink moments | Barbecue, Cadeau!, Lekker luxe, Met vrienden, Open haard, Romantisch |
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 92
Reviewed by:
Luis Gutiérrez
Release Price:
$22
Drink Date:
2023 - 2028
The varietal 2021 Appellation Agrelo Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a cooler part of Luján de Cuyo that was planted in 1993 and produces fresher Cabernet. The wine has 13.4% alcohol and is medium-bodied with fine varietal tannins. It matured in new and used barrels for six to eight months, depending on the lot. 48,000 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...
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.