Bodega Catena Zapata

Bodega la piramide

Bodega Catena Zapata is a winery located in Mendoza, Argentina, and is known for its pioneering role in resurrecting the Malbec grape and in developing the Malbec varietals in Argentina. Founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena, the winery has played a significant role in establishing Argentina as a premier wine-producing region on the global stage. Today, it is managed by the third and fourth generations of the Catena family, with Dr. Nicolás Catena Zapata and his daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, at the helm.

History

The history of Bodega Catena Zapata is deeply intertwined with the development of the wine industry in Argentina. Nicola Catena, armed with a strong belief in the potential of the Mendoza region, planted his first Malbec vineyard in 1902. Despite the varietal's origins in France, it thrived in the unique climate and soil of Mendoza, setting the stage for what would become a Malbec revolution in the late 20th century.

In the 1960s, Nicolás Catena Zapata, Nicola's grandson, took over the family winery. He pursued higher education in economics, which he later applied to winemaking, introducing new techniques and technologies to the winery. His efforts were focused on improving the quality of wine production and elevating the status of Argentine wines.

The 1990s marked a significant turning point for Bodega Catena Zapata, as Nicolás Catena Zapata introduced Malbec to high-altitude vineyards, convinced that the conditions would produce superior fruit. This experiment proved successful, leading to the production of some of Argentina's most acclaimed wines.

Wines

Bodega Catena Zapata is renowned for its focus on quality and innovation, particularly with the Malbec grape. The winery produces a range of wines, including:

• Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino: A single-vineyard Malbec that showcases the richness and complexity of the varietal.
• Catena Alta: A high-end line featuring limited production wines made from the oldest vineyards.
• DV Catena: Named after Domingo Vicente Catena, Nicolás's father, this line focuses on vineyard-specific wines.
• Adrianna Vineyard: Considered some of the most prestigious wines from Bodega Catena Zapata, these come from a vineyard named after Nicolás Catena Zapata's youngest daughter, located at high elevation and producing exceptionally concentrated grapes.

Viticulture and Winemaking

Bodega Catena Zapata's success is largely attributed to its innovative approach to viticulture and winemaking. The winery was among the first in Argentina to adopt European winemaking techniques, including French oak barrel aging and micro-vinification. Its vineyards are located at high altitudes, ranging from 920 to 1,450 meters above sea level, which contributes to a longer growing season and significant temperature variations between day and night. These conditions are ideal for growing concentrated and complex grapes.

Impact and Legacy

Bodega Catena Zapata has had a profound impact on the wine industry in Argentina and globally. Nicolás Catena Zapata is often credited with putting Argentine Malbec on the world wine map. The winery's commitment to research and development has led to significant advancements in viticulture and winemaking in Argentina. Its wines have received numerous awards and high ratings from wine critics, further establishing Argentina as a world-class wine-producing country.

See Also

• Malbec
• Viticulture in Argentina
• Winemaking
• Wine tasting