COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2018
GRAPE
Malbec
PRODUCER
Bodega Catena Zapata
REGION
Mendoza
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
The Catena Malbec 2018 is a special assemblage crafted from high-altitude estate vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina. This wine is the culmination of decades of dedicated study by the Catena family, pioneers in exploring Mendoza's unique terroirs. Bodega Catena Zapata, founded in 1902, is a family-owned winery led by fourth-generation vintner Laura Catena and chief winemaker Alejandro Vigil. Their philosophy centers on producing wines of exceptional quality that express the distinct character of Mendoza's high-altitude sites. The 2018 vintage is particularly noted for its freshness and true varietal typicity of Malbec, offering a soft, velvety texture with well-integrated oak and a long, pleasant finish. It represents a very good year for producing young, juicy red wines.
ALCOHOL
13.6%
AVG. PRICE
€25
STYLE
Classic
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
16-18°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Bodega Catena Zapata, established in 1902, is a pioneering family-owned winery in Argentina.
Fact 02
This Malbec is a blend from three high-altitude vineyards, with one reaching 1,450 meters (4,757 ft) above sea level.
Fact 03
The winemaking process includes fermentation with wild yeasts and a tailored barrel aging program.
Fact 04
The 2018 Catena Malbec received a notable score of 91+ points from Wine Advocate.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The Catena Malbec 2018 is a blend sourced from three distinct high-altitude estate vineyards: Gualtallary (1,450m), Lunlunta (920m), and El Cepillo in Eugenio Bustos (1,090m), each contributing unique soil profiles from alluvial gravel and limestone to loamy clay and calcareous layers. Viticulture involves dividing vineyards into specific lots, harvested at different times to ensure optimal ripeness. The vinification process begins with a 5-day cold maceration to enhance aromatic extraction, followed by a 12-day fermentation utilizing wild yeasts. A post-fermentation maceration, lasting 19-22 days, is then conducted to build structure and complexity. The wine undergoes aging for 12 months in a combination of first, second, and third-use barrels, with the barrel selection meticulously tailored to the specific characteristics of each vineyard lot and the vintage.
