Bodega Catena Zapata Alta Historic Rows Malbec 2018

Bodega Catena Zapata Alta Historic Rows Malbec is a deeply complex and elegant expression of Malbec from Argentina's premier wine producer. This wine is crafted from carefully selected rows of historic Malbec vines planted at high altitudes in the Andes, which gives it both concentration and finesse. On the nose, it offers intense aromas of blackberries, ripe plums, and dark cherries, along with hints of violets, cocoa, and subtle spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with velvety tannins and balanced acidity, showcasing layers of black fruit, chocolate, and smoky undertones. The long, persistent finish is marked by mineral notes and a touch of oak, making this an exceptional Malbec that reflects both tradition and innovation.

Wine Details:
Type: Red Wine
Style: Full-bodied, Elegant Red
Grape Varietal: Malbec
Taste Like: Like Syrah, but with more floral notes and softer tannins, along with ripe black fruit and cocoa flavors.
Alcohol Percentage: 13.5%
Closure: Cork
Size: 750mL
Appellation: Mendoza
Region: Uco Valley, Mendoza
Region Location: Argentina
Country: Argentina
Terroir: The vineyards are planted at high altitudes (over 1,000 meters), on rocky, well-draining soils. The altitude enhances the wine’s structure and natural acidity, while the stony soils provide mineral complexity.
Aging: Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, which adds subtle vanilla and spice notes while maintaining the integrity of the fruit.
Farming: Sustainable farming practices are employed, with a focus on preserving the natural biodiversity of the vineyard.

Serving Temperature:
16-18°C - Best served slightly below room temperature to allow the wine’s complexity to fully unfold.

Winery:
Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina’s most prestigious and pioneering wineries, recognized for elevating Malbec to world-class status. The Catena family, with a winemaking tradition dating back to the early 1900s, has been instrumental in developing high-altitude vineyards in the Andes. Their commitment to innovation and tradition is reflected in every bottle of their Alta Historic Rows Malbec, a tribute to the historic vineyards that have shaped the winery’s legacy.

Dishes this wine pairs with:
Grilled Red Meats: Perfect with grilled steak, especially ribeye or T-bone, seasoned with salt and pepper.
Braised Lamb: Excellent with lamb shanks braised in red wine or slow-cooked lamb stew.
Beef Empanadas: The savory pastry and spiced beef filling match the wine’s richness.
Duck: Complements roasted duck with a dark fruit glaze or plum sauce.
Asian Cuisine: Pairs well with beef stir-fry with hoisin sauce or Korean BBQ short ribs.
Australian BBQ: Ideal with grilled kangaroo or lamb chops.
Cheeses this wine pairs with:
Aged Manchego (Spain): The nutty and firm texture of Manchego complements the wine’s fruit and tannins.
Pyengana Cheddar (Australia): The sharp and rich flavors of this cheddar enhance the wine’s bold structure.
Comté (France): The nutty, creamy flavors of Comté bring out the wine’s complexity.
Roquefort (France): The bold, salty flavors of Roquefort pair well with the wine’s dark fruit and mineral notes.
Aged Gouda (Netherlands): The caramelized and nutty flavors of aged Gouda highlight the wine’s fruit and earthy undertones.
These pairings will elevate the wine’s bold fruit character and structured tannins, making it a perfect match for hearty dishes and richly flavored cheeses.