Nicolas Catena Zapata, 2020
Regular price £132.00
With its inaugural 1997 vintage, Nicolás Catena Zapata became the first luxury cuvée from Argentina to be exported around the world. The wine recreates the “Original Bordeaux Blend” of the 18th and 19th Centuries, when Malbec dominated over Merlot and was in equal standing to Cabernet Sauvignon in the Médoc. Prephylloxeric Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon massale selections of ungrafted vines give rise to this wine, opening a window to the past from the mountain vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina.
"This has a complex nose of baked blackberries, grilled plums, dried earth, moss, pine cones, sandalwood, charcoal and cloves. It’s medium-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins. Wow. So much going on. Layered, seamless and silky. Incredible length. Keeps going. 42% cabernet sauvignon, 30% malbec and 28% cabernet franc. Try this from 2024."
James Suckling, jamessuckling.com (May 2022)
Winemaking
The harvest is done by hand, and some parcels are fermented as whole bunches to enhance tannic structure and freshness. The fermentation takes place in 500 liter oak barrels, concrete and stainless-steel tanks, at temperatures of 26-28ºC for about 10-15 days. The post-fermentative maceration lasts between 5 and 10 days.
The wine carries out its malolactic fermentation and is then aged in French oak barrels for 18 months.
Vineyards
NICOLÁS CATENA ZAPATA CRUS
Adrianna Cru
- Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec
- Gualtallary, Uco Valley
- Calcareous soil with gravels
- 7 Hectares
- Planted in 1992
- Altitude: 1450 meters a.s.l
Nicasia Cru
- Malbec
- Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley
- Large gravel mixed with sand and loam
- 9 Hectares
- Planted in 1996
- Altitude: 1095 meters a.s.l
Technical Information:
Vintage: 2020
Wine Director: Alejandro Vigil
Winemaker: Fernando Buscema
Varietal: 42% Cabernet sauvignon, 30% Malbec and 28% Cabernet Franc.
Alcohol: 14.00%
Unfiltered.
