Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard

Nicolás Catena had his doubts at first. Unlike his father Domingo and his grandfather Nicolá, who were convinced of Malbec’s great potential, Nicolás was not so sure that this native Argentine variety could compete in quality with the best Cabernet Sauvignons on the market (most of which were French). However, all his concerns washed away when his high-altitude Malbec managed to delight the best critics. This was the ultimate reward for continuing to produce single-variety wines like Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard, a red wine made in the only vineyard in Mendoza developed from its own clones.

The fact that this Malbec is available to enjoy today is almost a miracle, because as well as Nicolás’s hesitation (which was significant), it is important to add that local winemakers encouraged him to give up his idea of seeking quality at high altitudes (Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard comes from 1,095 metres above sea level). Fortunately, Nicolás pretended he had not heard and continued his efforts by taking on Catena Zapata, the family winery, which at that time was going through a rough patch. Argentina’s economic and political crisis, with a military government going headlong into war with the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands, caused wine sales to decline. But Nicolás Catena managed to recover thanks to his wines. He now knew that success was to be found in every cluster of Malbec; but where would he find the right clones?

So, from their oldest vineyards, Catena Zapata developed their own selection of clones to grow in the Nicasia vineyard, located in the Altamira area, south of the La Consulta district. This area, which was the favourite of his grandfather Domingo, has a mixture of clay soils with large oval stones of volcanic origin, which ensures proper water drainage (avoiding moisture retention and the spread of fungal diseases like botrytis).

Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard is harvested and taken to the winery where only some of the clusters are processed. The number of bunches that are destemmed and the number that are vinified whole depends on the characteristics of each vintage. These grapes are hand-poured into new French oak barrels, uncovered, where Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard ferments for 17 days at low temperatures. During this time, manual pumping over is essential before malolactic fermentation begins. After both fermentations, Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard ages for a couple of years in French oak barrels and another couple of years in the bottle.

Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard is an elegant and unique red wine that must be tried. It is very likely to have critics (like everything in life), but do as Nicolás Catena did: ignore it and follow your instincts. With Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard you will not regret it.