Description

Score: 97 pts James Suckling – 96+ pts The Wine Advocate (Robert Parker)

Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2021 is more than a wine — it is a symbol of heritage, resilience, and the global rise of Argentine Malbec. Inspired by the historic journey of the Malbec grape from Cahors, France, to the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, this iconic label tells the story of its near extinction in Europe and its triumphant rebirth in Argentina under the vision of the Catena family.

Crafted from old-vine massal selections of pre-phylloxera Malbec, this wine expresses remarkable depth, precision, and elegance. Aromatically complex and layered, it reveals intense dark fruit intertwined with floral nuances and subtle spice. On the palate, it is refined yet powerful, with polished tannins, vibrant acidity, and exceptional balance. The integration of fruit and oak is seamless, leading to a long, structured, and persistent finish.

A benchmark Argentine Malbec designed to stand among the world’s greatest wines.

Technical Sheet

• Winery: Catena Zapata
• Type: Red Wine
• Vintage: 2021
• Varietal: 100% Malbec
• Vineyards: Nicasia (La Consulta – 1,095 m a.s.l.) and Angélica (Lunlunta – 920 m a.s.l.)
• Vinification:
  • 20% cold pre-fermentation maceration in French oak barrels at 10°C
  • Fermentation in 225L French oak barrels and 500L roll fermentors for 17–28 days
  • Indigenous yeasts
  • Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in barrel
• Aging: 15–18 months in French oak barrels
• Director of Winemaking: Alejandro Vigil
• Winemaker: Ernesto Bajda
• Alcohol: 13.9%
• Total Acidity: 6.15 g/L
• pH: 3.50
• Country: Argentina
• Aging Potential: Over 10 years