BODEGA CATENA ZAPATA, ANGÉLICA ZAPATA
MENDOZA, ARGENTINA 2021
Why Buy: What makes Catena Zapata so seductive? Let us count the ways: a fourth-generation winemaking family, high-elevation vineyards, old vines that go back more than 100 years, and, oh yeah, a passionate pursuit of precision and depth in every bottle. All of these things are on ample display in these two delicious, ready-to-drink wines from the 2023 “World’s Best Vineyard” winner — testament to what continuity, consummate craft, and operational patience can deliver.
The Story: Though the Catena story stretches all the way back to 1902, when Nicola Catena, an immigrant from Italy, planted his first vineyard, it wasn't until grandson Nicolás, an economist by training, saw the potential for Mendoza to become a world-class destination for wine, with Catena Zapata as the standard-bearer. He has been relentless in his pursuit of that vision, combining a scientist's precision with an explorer's ambition. Today, grapes are sourced from six single varietal lots (Angélica, La Pirámide, Nicasia, Domingo, Adrianna, and Angélica Sur) of varying altitudes (some as high as nearly 5,000 feet) and terroirs in the majestic hills of Mendoza. What Laura Catena, a fourth-generation vintner (and co-owner, with her father Nicolás), and Alejandro Vigil, their chief winemaker, are looking for, above all, are blends of great body, complexity, and dimension, but that also drink smoothly and easily.
Specs: The Cabernet Franc is 100% Cabernet Franc, and aged for 18 months in French oak (50% new); it was unfined and unfiltered. The Chardonnay is 100% Chardonnay, fermented with natural yeasts, and aged for 14 months in French oak (40% new).
Our Tasting Notes: The rich, alluvial soil of the 100-year-old-plus vineyards could hardly be more conducive to producing wines of sophistication and complexity, and the mountainous climate plays its part beautifully, stressing the vines with sun-baked days and cool, brisk nights. That terroir is front and center in these two wines. The Cabernet Franc is rich and concentrated, with an intensity that sneaks up on you, but what lingers is its elegance and balance, making for a red that is irresistibly drinkable. The estate is no less attentive to its white wines, and the single-vineyard Chardonnay is typical, a wine of lovely details. We loved its crispness and definition, but were taken even more with its minerality and the way it balanced its richness with gentle acidity.
ABV: Cabernet Franc, 14%; Chardonnay, 13.7%.
What to Pair Them With: For the Cabernet Franc, think grilled steaks; cheeseburgers; rack of lamb; aged cheeses; and charcuterie. The Chardonnay is a natural partner for olive oil-poached salmon, scallops in beurre blanc, egg-and-cheese stratas, and ceviche.
Fun Fact: Catena Zapata is credited with playing a prominent role in reviving the fortunes of the Malbec grape.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so you can be confident that your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Don't hesitate to secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2024. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Wednesday, March 6th, 2024.
