Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2021 🇦🇷

Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2021: A Tribute to Malbec's Epic Journey

96 points.
"A beautifully balanced and vibrant Malbec, showcasing the finest characteristics of Mendoza's high-altitude vineyards. This 2021 vintage delivers a profound expression of both history and terroir." – James Suckling

Tasting Notes:

• Color: Deep violet with ruby reflections.
• Nose: Aromas of blackberries, cassis, and violets, intertwined with earthy notes, mocha, and a hint of spice. Oak aging adds complexity with touches of vanilla and clove.
• Palate: Full-bodied and structured, this Malbec offers a smooth integration of ripe dark fruit, refined tannins, and a bright acidity. The palate is rich yet elegant, with layers of blackberry, plum, and a touch of minerality.
• Finish: Long and velvety, with a persistent fruit-driven finish, highlighting balance and finesse.

The Story Behind the Wine:

The label of the Malbec Argentino is as captivating as the wine itself, telling the epic story of Malbec's journey from France to Argentina. The four female figures on the label symbolize key moments in Malbec's history:

• Eleanor of Aquitaine represents the birth of Malbec in Cahors, France, where the grape first thrived.
• The Immigrant embodies the movement of Malbec to the New World, carried by explorers and settlers.
• Madame Phylloxera personifies the devastation caused by the phylloxera plague, which nearly wiped out Malbec in Europe.
• Adrianna Catena represents the rebirth of Malbec in Argentina, where the grape found new life and prominence, thanks to the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, particularly in the Uco Valley.

This story is also the story of the Catena family, who have been instrumental in the resurrection of Malbec. Nicolás Catena Zapata pioneered the planting of vineyards at high altitudes in Mendoza, transforming the way Malbec is grown and proving its potential to produce world-class wines. Today, the winery is managed by his daughter, Laura Catena, who continues to push the boundaries of Argentine winemaking, maintaining a focus on sustainability and terroir-driven practices.

Why Mendoza is Special:

Mendoza's high-altitude vineyards, particularly in regions like Gualtallary and Paraje Altamira, offer ideal growing conditions for Malbec. The combination of cool mountain climates, intense sunlight, and well-drained soils allows for slow ripening and the development of concentrated flavors while preserving acidity. These factors give Mendoza Malbec its signature power, elegance, and aging potential.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Red Meat: Perfect with grilled steaks or lamb, complementing the wine’s rich tannins and robust flavors.
• Game: Pairs beautifully with venison or wild boar, enhancing the earthy, spicy notes of the wine.
• Cheese: Ideal with aged cheeses like Manchego or Gruyère, balancing the wine’s bold structure.

Winemaking & Terroir:

The 2021 Malbec Argentino is a blend from two iconic vineyards: Angélica Vineyard in Lunlunta and Nicasia Vineyard in Altamira. Hand-harvested grapes undergo wild yeast fermentation in oak barrels, followed by aging in French oak for up to 18 months. This meticulous process enhances this red wine’s depth and complexity, while maintaining the purity of the fruit.

Wine Specifications:

• Variety: 100% Malbec
• Alcohol: 13.9%
• Serving Temperature: 16-18°C
• Bottle Size: 750 ml
• Cellaring Potential: Can be aged for 10-15 years, with peak maturity expected between 2024-2036.
• Appellation: Mendoza, Argentina
• Buy Now: Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2021

Celebrate the legacy of Malbec and the Catena family’s role in its rebirth. Available now at Caná Wine Shop, with free shipping on orders over $150.