Bodega Catena Zapata : "Catena Alta" Malbec 2022

Tasting characteristics and serving advice for the "Catena Alta" Malbec 2022 from Bodega Catena Zapata

Tasting

Appearance
The wine presents a deep red color with violet highlights characteristic of Malbec.

Nose
The bouquet reveals racy blackberry and cherry aromas, subtly accompanied by spicy hints of white pepper and exotic notes of tamarind.

Palate
On the palate, this wine delights with its juicy, supple texture, supported by fine-grained tannins that lend structure and elegance to the whole.

Food and wine pairings

This high-altitude Malbec pairs beautifully with grilled red meats, herb-crusted Provençal-style lamb, or a platter of aged cheeses. It also pairs very well with spicy dishes and traditional South American cuisine.

Serving and cellaring

The "Catena Alta" Malbec 2022 is best enjoyed at 60–64°F (16–18°C). A light one-hour decant helps fully reveal its complex aromas. Best enjoyed through about 2030.

An exceptional Malbec from Mendoza’s high-altitude terroirs

The estate

Bodega Catena Zapata, founded in 1902, remains an emblematic figure of Mendoza, farming six high-altitude vineyards in the Agrelo and Uco Valley regions, reaching up to 1,450 meters. Led by Dr. Laura Catena with winemaker Alejandro Vigil, this family-owned estate stands out for its scientific research via the Catena Institute of Wine and its Maya-inspired pyramid architecture. A pioneer of high-altitude terroirs and specializing in Malbec and Chardonnay, it ranks among the World's Best Vineyards 2023.

The vineyard

This Malbec comes from a blend of historic parcels located across five outstanding Mendoza vineyards: Angelica (Maipú, 920 m), La Piramide (Agrelo, 950 m), Nicasia (Uco Valley, 1,095 m), Adrianna (Tupungato, 1,450 m) and Angélica Sur (Uco Valley, 1,090 m). These high-altitude terroirs benefit from varied alluvial soils composed of silty clays, rounded pebbles, gravel, and limestone, offering exceptional geological diversity that enhances the wine’s complexity.

The vintage

The 2022 vintage is described by winemaker Alejandro Vigil as exceptional, deemed the “best year experienced.” Despite variable weather conditions that required deep knowledge of each area, abundant glacial water kept foliage healthy. The cooler-than-usual autumn allowed for slow, complete ripening, resulting in remarkable concentration and balance in the grapes.

Winemaking and aging

Harvest for the "Catena Alta" Malbec 2022 was carried out at different times to preserve natural acidity and maintain moderate alcohol levels. Whole clusters were vinified, hand-loaded into small-format tanks and 225–500-liter barrels, with each lot handled individually. Fermentation lasted 10 to 20 days with native yeasts, followed by a total maceration of 10 to 22 days and full malolactic conversion. Aging continued for 12 to 18 months in first-, second-, and third-use barrels.

Grape variety

This wine is made from 100% Malbec, the emblematic Argentinian variety.