Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino

Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino

Wine Description

Nicolás Catena’s dream was to make Argentine wines that could stand with the best in the world. He knew he needed to grow fruit of unprecedented quality, with a level of concentration, complexity, and balance never before seen in Argentina. Once each specific lot was identified and its potential revealed through row-by-row micro-vinification, Nicolás developed a plant-by-plant selection through which he could further enhance the characteristics of each lot. Today, the Zapata vines are specifically marked and meticulously cared for. 

Remington-Mendoza
Laura Catena sits at a table with a glass of wine
Malbec Grapes
Alejandro Vigil (Chief Winemaker) and Laura Catena Tasting
Malbec Clone in La Piramide Vineyard
Nicolás Catena
Bodega Catena Zapata
Bodega Catena Zapata
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Acclaim
The 2022 Malbec Argentino combines destemmed fruit from Lunlunta's Angelica Vineyard and Nicasia Vineyard in Altamira, and it was fermented with whole clusters. It leads with a rich, savory, black-fruited nose, introducing a similarly assertive and voluptuous palate. It concludes with a lush, staining and drying finish that retains the fine-grained precision that runs through the Catena Zapata roster. — Wine Advocate, May 2025
A blend of two origins – the warmer La Consulta and the cooler Paraje Altamira – the 2022 Malbec Argentino spent up to 12 months in French oak barrels. Purplish in hue, it reveals aromas of violets, plum and ripe dark fruit, alongside subtle smoky nuances. The oak is finely integrated, lending a creamy texture, plush tannins and a soft structure. This wine masterfully balances two distinct profiles – currently youthful yet velvety. It reinterprets the classic Mendoza Malbec style of the early 2000s. — Vinous, Nov 2024
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Vineyard & Production Info
Vineyard name
Angelica Vineyard (Lulunta district) and Nicasia Vineyard (Altamira district)
Soil composition
Sand, Gravel, Stony, and Clay-Loam
Training method
VSP
Elevation:
3,018-3,593 feet
Vines/acre:
2200
Yield/acre:
1.2 tons
Exposure:
Northwestern
Year vineyard planted:
1992-1996
Harvest time:
March - April
First vintage of this wine:
2004
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Winemaking & Aging
Varietal composition:
100% Malbec
Fermentation container:
Vertical open barriques & small stainless steel tanks
Length of alcoholic fermentation:
30-32 days
Fermentation temperature:
82.4 - 86 °F
Maceration technique:
Manual punching down
Malolactic fermentation:
Yes
Type of aging container:
Barriques
Size of aging container:
225 L
Type of oak:
French oak
Length of aging before bottling:
24 months
Age of Aging Container:
100% New
Length of bottle aging:
12 - 18 months
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Analytical Data
pH level:
3.6
Acidity:
6.1 g/L
Alcohol:
13.8 %
Residual sugar:
2.65 g/L