Winemaker Notes
Catena Malbec is a blend from three vineyards divided into lots that are harvested at different times.
Pair with roast turkey, grilled steak, salmon, and pasta with red sauce.
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
The berry and floral character comes through clearly on the nose and palate with a medium body, a medium-tannin backbone and a dark-walnut aftertaste.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
This wine unleashes a barrage of flavors—huckleberry, wild herbs and currants—that lose steam as the tannins take over, lasting on those sticky malbec tannins. It’d be fun to play with pairing ideas, so open it at the beginning of a dinner party and try it alongside everything from cheeses and olives to the main roast.
-
Wine & Spirits
This wine unleashes a barrage of flavors—huckleberry, wild herbs and currants—that lose steam as the tannins take over, lasting on those sticky malbec tannins. It’d be fun to play with pairing ideas, so open it at the beginning of a dinner party and try it alongside everything from cheeses and olives to the main roast.
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.