Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino

TEN CENTURIES OF LIFE, DEATH AND REBIRTH

The label shows the history of Malbec with four relevant women (including Madame Phylloxera!) from the 12th century to the rebirth in the 20th century.

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.

This Malbec Argentino is a blend of two vineyards, half from Angélica, Catena’s classic estate beside the Mendoza River, and Nicasia in Altamira. They were both harvested at the same time, the first week of March, which is very early for Angélica and a bit early for Altamira. The fruit from Angélica was destemmed, and that from Altamira was left whole cluster, and all was co-fermented in casks, where it was aged. For Malbec Argentino fans, this may be a radical change. The acidity of the early harvest, the red fruit, and the exuberance of the whole-cluster fermentation result in a profile that’s now much more focused on the fruit than on the oak, as it was in the past. It’s also lighter, more agile, and seems to glide across the palate.

A black-fruit aroma melds with notes of campfire, chocolate, vanilla and oyster shell. In the mouth, this is decidedly creamy and weighty. A fully oaked flavor profile revolves around milk chocolate and vanilla, while this Malbec is soft on the finish due to light acidity and mild tannins.