Nicolas Catena Zapata, Mendoza 2021

Nicolás Catena Zapata 2021 is one of Argentina’s most celebrated fine wines, showcasing the depth, structure and freshness that can be achieved from high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza. A historic flagship from the Catena family, it combines the region’s emblematic Malbec with Bordeaux varieties to create a powerful yet refined red with considerable cellaring potential.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the wine displays a deep ruby colour with youthful purple highlights. The nose is complex and expressive, revealing ripe blackberries, cassis and plums alongside violet, sweet spices, graphite and subtle notes of cedar from oak ageing. The palate is concentrated and layered, with finely grained tannins, vibrant acidity and a long, polished finish. Dark fruit flavours are complemented by hints of dark chocolate, tobacco, spice and mineral character. While approachable with decanting, the 2021 vintage has the structure to develop gracefully over many years—approximately 15 years or more under suitable cellaring conditions.

Production
The wine is produced from high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza, where intense sunlight, cool nights and dry conditions help preserve freshness while encouraging full phenolic ripeness. The blend and vineyard composition may vary by vintage, but typically brings together Malbec and selected Bordeaux varieties, harvested by hand and vinified separately to preserve the individual character of each parcel. Following fermentation, the wine is matured in French oak before blending and extended bottle ageing, integrating its fruit, tannins and oak complexity.

Food & Serving
Serve at 16–18°C after allowing the bottle to come up slightly from cellar temperature. Decant for approximately one to two hours, especially when opening the wine young. Its structure and richness make it an excellent match for grilled or slow-roasted beef, lamb, venison, hearty stews and dishes with mushrooms or truffles. It also pairs well with mature hard cheeses.

Producer
Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina’s pioneering and most influential wineries. Led by the Catena family, the estate helped demonstrate the fine-wine potential of Mendoza’s high-altitude vineyards and has played a defining role in raising the international profile of Argentine wine. Nicolás Catena Zapata is the winery’s iconic flagship, recognised for its Bordeaux-inspired blend, distinctive pyramid-shaped bottle and exceptional ageing ability.

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