Winemaker Notes
Family vintners for over 100 years, the Catenas are recognized for their pioneering role in high-altitude viticulture and in leading Argentina’s Malbec revolution. In the 1950s, Don Domingo Catena began sourcing Malbec from the vineyards of Altamira in the Uco Valley. The combination of intense sunlight and cool nights yields an elegant, mineral, slightly spicy Malbec with a deep texture and flavors.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This opens with blue fruit that deepens into darker tones yet remains crunchy, with a hint of pepper. The palate is saline, luminous and chiseled, marked by a delicate veil of fruit and refined tension.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The leader of the Catena Appellation series is the 2023 Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec, which hails from vines planted in 1996 and leads with a harmonious and composed nose of bright fruits, floral tones and fresh herbs. The palate is svelte and poised, transitioning to a rich yet focused finish that gradually becomes more sturdy and upright with aeration.
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Vinous
The 2023 Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira, aged for up to 12 months in oak barrels, is deep purple with pristine aromas of violets, blueberries, blackberry and fresh plum. The palate is dry, plush and juicy, with chalky tannins lending a pleasant tautness to the mid-palate. The 2023 is a delicate, energetic and balanced tour de force from a warm vintage.
Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina's high-altitude Malbec pioneers. The Catena family began making wine in Mendoza in 1902. Nicolas Catena, third generation family vintner, was one of the first to see the potential of Mendoza's mountain vineyards for producing high quality Malbec. In 1994, he became the first Argentine to export a world-class bottling of Malbec under the Catena label. Nicolas is joined by his daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, in their relentless pursuit of world-class quality from the family's high-altitude vineyards. Laura has done extensive work in introducing Malbec and other varietal plant selections, soil and climate analysis, and sustainable practices throughout Mendoza. Head winemaker, Alejandro Vigil, has been at Catena Zapata since 2002 and works with Laura and Nicolas to make wines that express the family's vineyards and palate.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.