2022 Catena Zapata Cabernet Franc Appellations San Carlos

The 2022 Catena Zapata Cabernet Franc Appellations San Carlos is a vibrant, high-altitude red that captures the elegance and precision Mendoza is now famous for. Sourced from carefully selected vineyards in the San Carlos district of the Uco Valley, it offers a pure, expressive take on Cabernet Franc with both freshness and depth. This is a compelling option if you’re looking for something a bit more refined and aromatic than a typical full-bodied Argentine red.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Cabernet Franc typically shows a deep ruby to purple hue with bright, youthful reflections. On the nose, expect lifted aromas of red and black fruits—think raspberry, blackcurrant and plum—layered with notes of dried herbs, graphite, violets and subtle spice from oak aging. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a core of juicy, precise fruit framed by fine-grained tannins and a refreshing natural acidity that speaks to its high-altitude origins. You’ll find flavors of blackberry, red cherry, cassis and fresh tobacco leaf, with hints of black pepper, cocoa and a touch of minerality on the finish. While very approachable in its youth, the structure and balance suggest a solid aging potential of 5–8 years, during which it should gain additional complexity and soften further without losing its vibrancy.

Production
The grapes for this wine come from the San Carlos area in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, a zone known for its cool nights, intense sunlight and alluvial soils with a mix of stones, sand and clay that naturally limit vigor and concentrate flavor. Vineyards are planted at high altitude, where the significant diurnal temperature range helps preserve acidity and aromatic complexity in Cabernet Franc. The fruit is typically harvested by hand to ensure careful selection of bunches at optimal ripeness. In the cellar, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks to capture purity of fruit, followed by maturation—often in French oak barrels—for added texture and subtle spice, without overwhelming the variety’s natural perfume and freshness.

Food & Serving
This Cabernet Franc is a versatile partner at the table, working beautifully with grilled meats, herb-crusted lamb, roast pork, mushroom dishes and aged hard cheeses. Its herbal, savory edge also makes it a great match for dishes with rosemary, thyme or sage, as well as charcuterie and richer poultry preparations like duck or roasted chicken. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for best expression. A short decant of 30–45 minutes helps open up the aromatics and smooth the tannins, especially in the wine’s first few years.

Producer
Catena Zapata is one of Argentina’s most influential and pioneering wineries, widely credited with elevating Mendoza onto the world stage for fine wine. Founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena and propelled to global renown under Nicolás Catena and his daughter Laura, the estate has been at the forefront of high-altitude viticulture, meticulous vineyard mapping and quality-driven innovation. From their historic work in the Andean foothills to their detailed exploration of individual appellations like San Carlos, Catena Zapata has helped redefine what Argentine wine—especially from Mendoza—can be, regularly earning top scores and international acclaim for both red and white wines.

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