Nicolas Catena Zapata Blend 2022

Description Nicolás Catena Zapata 2022 is the iconic luxury cuvée of Bodega Catena Zapata, recreating the original 18th and 19th-century Bordeaux blend where Malbec held equal standing with Cabernet Sauvignon. First launched with the 1997 vintage as Argentina's pioneer luxury export wine, it is crafted from pre-phylloxera massal selections of ungrafted vines across two legendary high-altitude crus in the Uco Valley: Adrianna Vineyard (1,450 m.a.s.l. in Gualtallary) and Nicasia Vineyard (1,095 m.a.s.l. in Paraje Altamira). Fermented in small oak barrels, concrete vats, and stainless steel tanks, and aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, the final assemblage is personally supervised by Dr. Nicolás Catena Zapata. "In the glass, it reveals a deep, dark ruby color with incredible aromatic complexity, featuring layers of black currant, dark fruits, graphite, subtle tobacco, and distinctive stony minerality. On the palate, it exhibits extraordinary structure and depth, supported by fine-grained tannins and vibrant natural acidity that leads to a long, seamless, and remarkably persistent finish." Technical Sheet Winery: Catena Zapata Product: Nicolás Catena Zapata Type: Red Wine Vintage: 2022 Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon & Malbec Blend Blend: 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Franc Vineyards / Crus: Adrianna Cru (Gualtallary, Uco Valley) & Nicasia Cru (Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley) Soil Type: Calcium carbonate, gravel, sand, and clay Winemaking: Hand-harvested; fermented in small oak barrels, concrete, and stainless steel tanks at 26–28°C for 15 days; 18–22 days total maceration with complete malolactic fermentation Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels Director of Winemaking: Alejandro Vigil Winemaker: Fernando Buscema Alcohol: 13.9% Total Acidity: 5.8 g/L pH: 3.65 Altitude: 1,095 – 1,450 m.a.s.l. (3,592 – 4,757 ft) Region: Uco Valley, Mendoza Serving Temperature: 16–18°C (61–64°F) Country: Argentina Food Pairing: Prime ribeye steak, slow-roasted lamb shoulder, braised venison, roasted game, and long-aged hard cheeses Aging Potential: 20 years or more