The terroirs of Catana Zapata
HIGH-ALTITUDE VINEYARDS ON THE MAGNIFICENT LANDS OF MENDOZA
Catena Zapata's estates are spread across six vineyards from north to south Argentina, in the foothills of the Andes Mountains.Mendoza appellation:Adrianna, Angelica Norte and Angelica Sur, Domingo, Piramide and Nicasia.The 200 hectares of vineyards are planted at altitudes between 920 and 1450 meters. The grapes benefit from the mountain sunshine, the intensity of which gently enhances the tannins in the Malbec skins. Nicolas Catena understood the positive influence of altitude on fruit quality, thanks to the significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. This climate allows for optimal ripening of the berries. The very poor soils, a mixture of sand, gravel, and limestone pebbles, are perfectly suited to Malbec vines. The Catena Zapata estates also include 10 other grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Pinot Noir for reds, and Chardonnay, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Gewürztraminer for whites. Each vineyard is divided into plots that are cultivated individually and sustainably to encourage the full expression of the fruit's authentic character. This division of plots is based on the composition of the soils on which the vines are planted.
Catena Zapata wines
SUPERBLY WELL-INTEGRATED TANINS
Since 1975, José Galante has been the winemaker at Catena Zapata. Thanks to his experience, particularly in France, he continues to improve the winery's wines year after year with a precise understanding of the terroirs. After harvesting, the grapes are manually loaded into small vats for fermentation and maceration lasting between 10 and 35 days. Each batch from the different vineyards receives individualized treatment. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations take place in barrels with regular lees stirring. The wines areraised between 12 and 18 monthsdepending on the vintage, the wines are aged in French oak barrels. Three distinct ranges are produced at the estates. The Alamos range consists of approachable, fruity, and delicious wines that perfectly express the grape variety chosen for each vintage. With the Catena Zapata range, the wines reflect the full quality of theterroirs of MendozaThey are concentrated, complex, and expressive. The Alta range of wines, meanwhile, comes from the finest vineyard plots and is produced only in the best vintages. The hallmark of Catena Zapata wines is their superb, perfectly balanced tannins. The Catena Zapata estate is renowned worldwide, and its wines have received excellent reviews.
