2022 Catena Zapata Malbec Appellations Vista Flores

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Description

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For the Catena Malbec Appellation Vistaflores, a blend of Malbec grapes from the Vistaflores district in Tunuyán was chosen. This appellation is very suitable for Malbec, due to its somewhat higher location, at the foot of the Andes. The vineyards are located at an altitude that varies between 1050 and 1150 meters. This means that temperatures can be quite high during the day, and rise to around 33 degrees. But at night it cools down considerably here, so that the difference between day and night is very large. This ensures Malbec with powerful aromas and a pronounced freshness in its acids. The grapes are perfectly ripe in this way, and remain in balance. They are picked late, in a period from the first to the third week of April. The vines in the vineyard are now 30 years old, and ensure a great expression of the unique terroir in the wine. The yields are low and the grapes are picked by hand. After fermentation, the wine matures in oak barrels, with 85% French and 15% American oak, for a slightly exotic touch. A beautiful pure glass of Malbec.

Bodega Catena Zapata is considered the flagship of the wineries in Argentina. Robert Parker's statement says a lot: 'when all is said and done, Catena Zapata is the Argentina winery of reference, the standard of excellence'.

Specifications

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Type of Wine Red
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Winery Catena Zapata
Grape Malbec
Biological certified No
Natural wine No
Vegan No
Vintage 2022
Drinking as of 2024
Drinking till 2029
Alcohol % 13
Alcohol free/low No
Content 0.75 ltr
Oak aging Yes
Sparkling No
Dessert wine No
Closure Cork
Promotion Tier Price
Parker rating 92
James Suckling rating 91
Tasting Profiles Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Rood fruit, Tannines, Vol
Drink moments Barbecue, Cadeau!, Lekker luxe, Met vrienden, Open haard, Romantisch

Professional Reviews

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Parker

92

James Suckling

91

Wijnhuis

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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.

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