Description

Nicolás Catena Zapata 2022 is the iconic luxury cuvée of Bodega Catena Zapata, recreating the original 18th and 19th-century Bordeaux blend where Malbec held equal standing with Cabernet Sauvignon. First launched with the 1997 vintage as Argentina's pioneer luxury export wine, it is crafted from pre-phylloxera massal selections of ungrafted vines across two legendary high-altitude crus in the Uco Valley: Adrianna Vineyard (1,450 m.a.s.l. in Gualtallary) and Nicasia Vineyard (1,095 m.a.s.l. in Paraje Altamira). Fermented in small oak barrels, concrete vats, and stainless steel tanks, and aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, the final assemblage is personally supervised by Dr. Nicolás Catena Zapata.

"In the glass, it reveals a deep, dark ruby color with incredible aromatic complexity, featuring layers of black currant, dark fruits, graphite, subtle tobacco, and distinctive stony minerality. On the palate, it exhibits extraordinary structure and depth, supported by fine-grained tannins and vibrant natural acidity that leads to a long, seamless, and remarkably persistent finish."

Technical Sheet

Winery: Catena Zapata

Product: Nicolás Catena Zapata

Type: Red Wine

Vintage: 2022

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon & Malbec Blend

Blend: 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Franc

Vineyards / Crus: Adrianna Cru (Gualtallary, Uco Valley) & Nicasia Cru (Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley)

Soil Type: Calcium carbonate, gravel, sand, and clay

Winemaking: Hand-harvested; fermented in small oak barrels, concrete, and stainless steel tanks at 26–28°C for 15 days; 18–22 days total maceration with complete malolactic fermentation

Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels

Director of Winemaking: Alejandro Vigil

Winemaker: Fernando Buscema

Alcohol: 13.9%

Total Acidity: 5.8 g/L

pH: 3.65

Altitude: 1,095 – 1,450 m.a.s.l. (3,592 – 4,757 ft)

Region: Uco Valley, Mendoza

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C (61–64°F)

Country: Argentina

Food Pairing: Prime ribeye steak, slow-roasted lamb shoulder, braised venison, roasted game, and long-aged hard cheeses

Aging Potential: 20 years or more