Nicolas Catena Zapata

With the inaugural 1997 vintage, Nicolás Catena Zapata became the first luxury cuvée from Argentina to be exported worldwide. This wine is a pioneer in recreating the “Original Bordeaux Blend” from the 18th and 19th centuries, when in the Médoc area Malbec predominated over Merlot and was on equal footing with Cabernet Sauvignon. Pre-phylloxera Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon selections, from ungrafted vines, give rise to this wine, which transports us to the past from the mountain vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina. Vitification: Harvesting is done by hand, and some parcels are fermented with whole clusters to increase tannic structure and freshness. Fermentation is carried out in 500-liter oak barrels, cement and stainless steel tanks at temperatures between 26º and 28° C for 10 to 15 days. The post-fermentation maceration period ranges from 5 to 10 days. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. Origin: Mendoza, Argentina. Varieties: 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Malbec, 8% Cabernet Franc.