Catena Zapata · Nicasia Vineyard · Paraje Altamira · 2022
Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec 2022 comes from Paraje Altamira in Mendoza's Uco Valley. Violet and lavender aromas mingle with cassis and intense blue fruit, leading into a juicy, plush palate with finely integrated oak. Concentrated dark fruit is balanced by precise tannins, refined structure and a long, polished fini...Show More >
Catena Zapata · Nicasia Vineyard · Paraje Altamira · 2022
Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec 2022 comes from Paraje Altamira in Mendoza's Uco Valley. Violet and lavender aromas mingle with cassis and intense blue fruit, leading into a juicy, plush palate with finely integrated oak. Concentrated dark fruit is balanced by precise tannins, refined structure and a long, polished finish.
The Producer & Vineyard
Founded in 1902, Bodega Catena Zapata helped bring Argentine Malbec to international attention through its pursuit of quality and exploration of high-altitude terroirs in the Andean foothills of Mendoza. The family's story reflects three milestone stages that transformed both the winery and Argentine wine over the past 50 years. Nicasia Vineyard expresses Paraje Altamira; the 2022 wine was aged for up to 21 months in oak barrels.
Elsewhere in the family's vineyard holdings, Adrianna Vineyard rises to almost 5,000 feet and has been called the Grand Cru of South America. The family's honors include Decanter Man of the Year, the Wine Spectator Distinguished Service Award, the Der Feinschmaker Award, and winery awards from Wine & Spirits and Wine Enthusiast.
Nicolás Catena Zapata's commitment to quality includes assembling a dedicated team: Laura Catena, Managing Director and CIW Founder and Board Member; Alejandro Vigil, Winemaking Director; Ernesto “Nesti” Bajda, Winemaker; Luis Reginato, Vineyard Manager; and Mariela Molinari, Winemaker and Export Director, Europe.
Producer Philosophy
Great wines begin in the vineyard. Our vision is to make rich and unforgettable wines that are true to the special place they come from. The story of Catena is the story of Argentine wine.
On the Catena Legacy
Jancis Robinson, Financial Times wine journalist: “Nicolás Catena Zapata is justly credited with putting Argentinean wines on the world map—by the best expedient of focusing entirely on quality. It’s great to know he has started a wine dynasty, too.”
Baron Eric de Rothschild, Château Lafite: “Nicolás Catena Zapata is a man of vision, of high intellect, always curious about others and about how the world is developing. He has been instrumental in changing the Argentinian wine scene more than anybody else, pushing it towards high quality.”
Expert Reviews -Vintage 2022
Vinous, 97 Points · 2022: The 2022 Malbec Nicasia Vineyard was sourced from Paraje Altamira and aged for up to 21 months in oak barrels. Aromas of violets and lavender blend with cassis and intense blue fruit notes. Delicate yet juicy with a plush texture, it shows fine oak integration. It's precise in its fruit expression, finishing long with refined structure and a polished impression. The fresh, dry 2022 vintage lends additional nuance to this delicious wine. Compared to Catena Zapata’s single-vineyard wines, Nicasia typically receives less attention, but this is a distinctive, captivating Malbec in and of itself.
James Suckling, 96 Points · : This is concentrated, with dense dark fruit. The nose shows blue fruit, tar and tapenade. The palate is juicy and medium- to full-bodied, with delineated concentration, dark fruit flavors and voluminous presence balanced by precise tannins.
Pairing & Serving
Try with grilled beef, roast lamb or earthy mushroom dishes. Serve slightly below room temperature and consider decanting to let the wine open.
Details
- Producer: Catena Zapata
- Vineyard: Nicasia
- Vintage: 2022
- Bottle size: 750ml
- Country: Argentina
- Region: Mendoza
- Origin: Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley
- Grape: Malbec
- Type: Red wine
- Aging: Up to 21 months in oak barrels
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