Catena Zapata Mendoza Malbec 2023

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Catena Zapata
Label Name:
 
Mendoza Malbec
Vintage:
 
2023
Country:
 
Argentina
Region:
 
Mendoza (Uco Valley, Maipú, Luján de Cuyo)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
100% Malbec
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Critic scores reported in merchant/press listings: Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) ~90 (2023, reported); James Suckling ~91 (merchant listings). Retail sources commonly place recent Catena Malbec vintages in the 90–92 point range

Tasting Note
Black plum, blackberry, violets, crushed stone and subtle spice. Medium-plus body with juicy fruit, lively acidity, fine talc-like tannins and a mineral, elegant, long finish.

Food Pairing
Western: grilled steak (bife de chorizo), herb-rubbed lamb chops, roast turkey, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses. Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi), Chinese char siu or roast duck, Sichuan-style beef with controlled spice, yakitori (chicken skewers).

Production Method
5-day cold maceration (~10°C), wild-yeast fermentation 10–16 days (total maceration 19–22 days). Aged 11–13 months in French oak (first, second and third-use barrels).

Vineyard Info
Bodega Catena Zapata — four-generation Mendoza producer (since 1902). This blend sources high‑altitude estate sites: Gualtallary, Lunlunta and El Cepillo; pioneers of Argentina's high-elevation Malbec.