Bodega Catena Zapata : "Catena Alta" Malbec 2023

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for the Catena Alta Malbec 2023 from Bodega Catena Zapata

Tasting notes

Colour
The wine shows a deep red colour with violet hues, dense at the core and lightening slightly towards the rim, a sign of the generous colour extraction typical of Malbec.

Nose
The nose unveils a bouquet of ripe black and red fruits, blackberry, plum and raspberry, enhanced by floral notes of violet, touches of cocoa and subtle spices from ageing in French oak barrels.

Palate
The palate is both full-bodied and fresh, supported by ripe, fine tannins and an acidity that gives the whole wine definition. The long finish brings back black fruit and a slight hint of spice.

Food and Wine Pairing

This Malbec naturally complements grilled or roasted red meats, such as a cut of beef cooked over a wood fire, as well as herb-crusted lamb chops. It also pairs well with slow-cooked dishes such as beef stew, as well as with mushroom risotto or mature hard cheeses.

Serving and Cellaring

The Catena Alta Malbec 2023 is best served between 16 and 18 °C, in a large-bowled glass that allows the aromas to express themselves fully. Decanting for 30 to 60 minutes is recommended to soften the tannins, particularly as the wine is still young.

A Mendoza Malbec Shaped by the High-Altitude Terroirs of Catena Zapata

The Estate

Founded in 1902 by Nicola Catena in Agrelo, in the Luján de Cuyo region of Mendoza, Bodega Catena Zapata is the oldest Argentine bodega still run by its founding family. Since the 1990s, the estate has been led by Dr Laura Catena, the fourth generation. A pioneer in exploring high-altitude vineyards and in showcasing Malbec, the house relies in particular on the Catena Institute of Wine to deepen its scientific understanding of Mendoza's terroirs.

The Vineyard

The grapes for this cuvée come from a selection of historic rows spread across several family vineyards in Mendoza, including Angélica and La Pirámide in Luján de Cuyo, Nicasia in the Altamira area, as well as Angélica Sur and Adrianna at high altitude. These plots lie on soils of alluvial origin combining silt, clay, gravel and rounded pebbles, sometimes on a volcanic substrate, at altitudes ranging from around 900 to nearly 1,500 metres.

Winemaking and Ageing

For the production of the Catena Alta Malbec 2023, the grapes from each plot are harvested and vinified separately, in small-format tanks, using indigenous yeasts and a cold maceration phase before fermentation. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations take place in barrels, accompanied by regular lees stirring, before ageing in French oak barrels.

Grape Variety

This wine is made from Malbec.