The Great Story of the Argentinian Malbec
CATENA ZAPATA MALBEC ARGENTINO 2018
Bodega Catena Zapata
Founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena, is one of the most iconic producers of wine in Argentina. They are also one of the largest and more important producers of Malbec in the world. They are credited by having put the Argentinian Malbec in the map of the world. One of their flagship wines was once described as the “Lafite-Rothschild of Argentina” by critic Robert Parker (referring to the Nicolas Catena Zapata 2004 Malbec)
The origin of Malbec
A thick-skinned grape from southwest France with origins in the Languedoc-Roussillon region that was once the main varietal in Boardeaux wine, before substituting it for Cabernet Sauvignon which is nowadays the main varietal. After the terrible Phylloxera plague Malbec found his own terrior in Mendoza, Argentina, where it flourishes fantastically thanks to the weather and vineyard elevations.
A survival story
When phylloxera decimated most of the Malbec vineyards in France in the late XIX century, Argentinian Malbec was flourishing in Mendoza, thanks to an effort to stablish Malbec production as an experiment by some of the Argentinian leaders of the time.
The Malbec according to Nicolas Catena; an art piece on a label
“The epic tale of the noble Malbec grape is like no other, and the label for Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino pays tribute to the variety’s history in France and its rise in Argentina. Four female figures embody different landmarks in the history of the grape. Eleanor of Aquitaine represents the birth of Malbec. She is a strong, Old World presence, lingering at the bridge in Cahors, where Malbec came into its own. Next, the Immigrant symbolizes the movement to the New World and the unknown explorers and adventurers who connected Europe with the Americas. Phylloxera personifies the death of Malbec in the Old World, which enabled its rebirth in the new. Finally, there is Bodega Catena Zapata, represented by Adrianna Catena, who depicts birth, earth, and motherhood, sharing the riches of the New World. Today, the Catena family’s fourth generation leads the high-altitude renaissance in Argentina. We are returning Malbec to the sky... where it belongs.”
What’s so special about the “Nicasia” y “Angelica” vineyards?
Old Vines from the Catena Zapata Family Vineyards, Nicasia and Angélica. The origins of the vines, which we call “The Catena Cuttings”, is a prephyloxeric Massale Selection from the Angélica Vineyard. Harvest time varies depending on each lot's soil composition. Harvest time can vary by several weeks between one lot and another within the same vineyard.
• Angelica Vineyard: 3,018 ft (920 m). Lunlunta District, Maipú Region, Mendoza, Argentina. Adjacent to dry river bed. Light gravel, loam and clay.
• Nicasia Vineyard: 3,593 ft (1,095 m). Altamira in La Consulta District, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina. Very shallow loamy topsoil with surface gravel and gravelly (large stones) dry river bed subsoil - optimal drainage. Malbec. Plant selection: Catena Cuttings malbec selection
Vinification
20% whole cluster and 80% whole berry fruit is hand- loaded into 225-500 liter new French oak barrels for a 100% barrel fermentation for a period of 30 days, allowing seamless oak integration. The fermentation temperature is kept low, extracting intense aromas, and the cap management is done by hand to ensure soft, gentle flavors and tannin extraction. Wild yeasts. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in barrel leaves considerable lees and sediment. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months
Tasting notes of 2018 vintage
Elegant ripeness and dark fruit notes. Medium to full body structure with a well positioned structure and sophisticated texture. Vibrant, complex, expressive notes of raspberry, boysenberry and cherry. Bright and dense in color, with friendly tannins and dark chocolate and mint hints. An incredible expression of terroir and character.
Price:
$110-$135