Growing Conditions

“The vines from the Angélica Vineyard (planted 1922-24) and from the Nicasia Vineyard are a daughter- mother combination. The 100-year-old massale selection of ungrafted Malbec was planted in Nicasia in 1996. Both vineyards are ungrafted and their incredibly diverse massale selection is the same. The practice of planting ungrafted and massale has virtually disappeared in most regions outside Argentina, so these are both incredibly unique vineyards. The reason we blend in the Nicasia is because the plant material is the same, and Angélica is in a slightly warmer climate, so Nicasia contributes natural acidity and cool climate texture, which is slightly different from Old Vine texture. In fact, I am realizing that we have discovered a method for preserving Old Vines in climate change situations by blending in a small percentage of the same vine selection planted in a cooler climate. Also, we wanted this wine to be a classic and authentic representation of Malbec, and through this blend we have one ancient massale selection representing the most traditional region - Lunlunta in the Primera Zona - and a second representing the currently more famous region - the Uco Valley.” – Dr. Laura Catena

2022 was an exceptional year at Catena Zapata from every possible qualitative standpoint. Alejandro Vigil, Catena Zapata’s Head Winemaker says: “This is the best year that I have lived through”. Yet, it was a roller coaster sort of year with unpredictable weather patterns that required deep knowledge of every region and vineyard. Thanks to the abundant glacier water, we were able to maintain a healthy canopy and yields were not reduced beyond the effects of frost. The autumn, with cooler temperatures than usual, allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and fully, contributing to the exceptional concentration and balance of this vintage.

Angelica Vineyard: 3,018 ft (920 m). Lunlunta District, Maipú
Region, Mendoza, Argentina. Adjacent to dry river bed. Light gravel, loam and clay. Planted between 1922 y 1924 (102 years). 20% of the wine comes from this vineyard.

Nicasia Vineyard: 3,593 ft (1,095 m). Altamira in La Consulta
District, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina. Very shallow loamy topsoil with surface gravel and gravelly (large stones) dry river bed subsoil - optimal drainage. Malbec. Plant selection: Catena Cuttings malbec selection.

Winemaking

This wine goes through an extensive cold maceration (10 - 30% Whole Cluster) of 2-10 days at less than 50oF (10oC) to extract aromas. The juice is then fermented for around 17-28 days with a total maceration of approximately 25-38 days.

Wine Director: Alejandro Vigil Winemaker: Ernesto Bajda

Aging

Elevage: 15-18 months in French Oak barrel. First, second and third use barrels.