We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – The 2019 Catena Alta Malbec transported me to the spirit of the 2016, both cool vintages. It’s a blend of grapes from different vineyards that were harvested at different times to ensure optimal natural acidity and moderate alcohol levels. Whole berries are hand-loaded into small-format fermentation bins and 225- to 500-liter barrels. It shows precision and is clean, floral and really elegant, a little closed at first. The palate reveals a very fine thread, satin-like tannins and lively acidity with some blood orange hints. This is phenomenal. It was bottled in October 2020. Drink 2021-2026. (Luis Gutiérrez)
About This Wine
Nicolas Catena planted his first Malbec vinyeard in Mendoza in 1902. His grandson, Nicolás Catena is known as the man who revolutionized Argentine wine and introduced high-altitude Malbec to the world. The Historic Catena Zapata vineyards are planted with the Catena family's proprietary selection of malbec plants: the Catena cuttings, Catena Alta Malbec is sourced from Block 18 of the Angélica vineyard, Block 1 of the Nicasia vineyard, Block 6 of the Angélica Sur vineyard and Block 3 & 9 of the Adrianna vineyard.
Type | Red Wine |
---|---|
Varietal(s) | Malbec |
Country | Argentina |
Region | Mendoza |
Brand | Catena Zapata |
Vintage | 2019 |
Wines of Argentina
Argentina is the 5th largest wine producing nation in the world and the most important in South America. Summers here are generally hot and dry while snowy winters help to irrigate vineyards as melted snow flows down from the Andes mountains. Grapes very easily achieve full ripeness due to these growing conditions.
There are many grape varietals planted in Argentina, but the most famous and important is Argentinian Malbec. Grown best in the equally famous Mendoza region, the top-rated Malbec’s come from the high altitude sub regions of Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. These districts are located in the foothills of the Andes mountains between 850 and 1,520m in elevation. Argentinian winemaker Nicolas Catena Zapata was the first person to plant Malbec at such a high elevation of 1,500 metres, and is widely credited for elevating the status of Argentinian Malbec and the Mendoza region with this successful move.
Besides Malbec, there are many other grape varietals planted in the country. However, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are the two other varietals that are most notable. Pedro Gimenez is the most widely planted white grape varietal in Argentina, but unfortunately it does not get much exposure internationally.