Bodega Catena Zapata : Argentino 2022

An exceptional Argentine Malbec from the terroirs of Mendoza

The Estate

Founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena, Bodega Catena Zapata is today run by Nicolás Catena Zapata and his daughter Laura Catena, the current owners of this family estate. Located in Mendoza in the sub-appellation of Agrelo, the estate manages six historic vineyards including the prestigious Adrianna at nearly 1,500 meters above sea level. A pioneer of high-altitude viticulture in Argentina, Catena Zapata has specialized in Malbec and revolutionized the Argentine wine industry. Crowned "World's Best Vineyards" in 2023, the estate combines family tradition and advanced scientific research through the Catena Institute of Wine.

The Vineyard

The Argentino 2022 comes from two historic vineyards of the Catena Zapata family. The Nicasia vineyard, named after Nicolás Catena Zapata's grandmother, is located in the district of La Consulta at 1,095 meters on shallow silt and gravel soils. The Angélica vineyard, named in honor of Nicolás's mother, sits in Lunlunta at 920 meters on light gravel, silt and clay soils adjacent to a dry riverbed. These old vines come from "The Catena Cuttings", a pre-phylloxera massal selection from the Angélica vineyard.

The Vintage

The 2022 vintage in Mendoza benefited from favorable climatic conditions, allowing optimal ripening of Malbec in Catena Zapata's high-altitude vineyards.

Winemaking and aging

The winemaking of the Argentino 2022 begins with a cold maceration of 2 to 10 days at under 10°C, with 10 to 30% whole clusters. Fermentation lasts 17 to 28 days, followed by a total maceration of 25 to 38 days. Aging takes place over 15 to 18 months in French oak barrels of first, second and third fill, allowing the wine to develop complexity while preserving the expression of its fruit.

Grape Variety

The Argentino 2022 from Bodega Catena Zapata is a 100% Malbec.