Founded in 1902, Argentina\u2019s Bodega Catena Zapata is known for its pioneering role in resurrecting Malbec and in discovering extreme high altitude terroirs in the Andean foothills of Mendoza. The family\u2019s\u00a0Adrianna Vineyard\u00a0at almost 5,000 feet elevation has been called the Grand Cru of South America.<\/p>\n
Awards<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n Winetraveler Tip Regarding Booking Tours at Bodega Catena Zapata:<\/strong> Be sure to contact the winery well ahead of time to make a reservation. Contact the winery using the contact information on this page.<\/p>\n RELATED:<\/strong> 5 Essential Wineries to Visit in Salta & Mendoza Argentina<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":8705,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"amenity":[1628,1168,1442,230,893,860,746,803,802],"wine_style":[919,920,205,1532,204,1531],"experiences":[3466,3465,2776,2649,3332,3221,2728,2798,2679,2680],"class_list":["post-8702","winery","type-winery","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","amenity-barrel-tastings","amenity-beautiful-architecture","amenity-food-wine-pairings","amenity-great-views","amenity-small-bites","amenity-vineyard-views","amenity-wine-education","amenity-wine-tastings","amenity-wine-tours","wine_style-dry-red-wines","wine_style-dry-white-wines","wine_style-red-wine-blends","wine_style-red-wines","wine_style-white-wine-blends","wine_style-white-wines","grapes-cabernet-franc","grapes-cabernet-sauvignon","grapes-chardonnay","grapes-malbec","destinations-argentina","destinations-mendoza","destinations-south-america","regions-argentina","regions-mendoza","regions-south-america","experiences-barrel-tastings","experiences-beautiful-architecture","experiences-beautiful-views","experiences-couples-travel","experiences-food-wine-pairings","experiences-romantic","experiences-solo-travel","experiences-vineyard-views","experiences-wine-tastings","experiences-wine-tours"],"acf":{"featured":false,"featured_order":"","content_title":"Winery in Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina","logo":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/catena-zapata-winery-logo.jpg","website_url":"https:\/\/www.catenazapata.com","established_year":"1902","head_wine_maker":"Alejandro Vigil","hours_of_operation":"Varied depending on day.","yelp_id":"bodega-catena-zapata-mendoza-2","contact_name":"","phone_number":"+54 261 413-1124","email_address":"turismo@catenazapata.com","region":{"ID":8659,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2020-01-28 10:49:47","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-28 15:49:47","post_content":"\n Within the country of Argentina, there are several quality wine regions, but perhaps the most famous and most important is the region of Mendoza, located along the Andes Mountains on the western side of the country. It is in this region where approximately 70% of the wine produced in Argentina is made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mendoza is a unique high-altitude region that sees over 300 days of sunlight a year. The soils of the land are rock, sand, and clay and the climate is primarily a dry desert climate situated under the rain shadow of the Andes. Hot days lead to cool nights with little rain for much of the year, providing ideal fluctuations and water stress for grapevines to produce quality fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of the vineyards are planted at an average altitude of 900 meters, with some vines growing at heights far exceeding that. The high-altitude viticulture gives the grapes from Mendoza a signature ripeness that creates lush, bold wines in the bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The city of Mendoza is a great place to start a journey tasting through this region, and due to its importance as the main city in a high-volume, high-quality wine-producing region, it has been named one of the Great Wine Capitals in the world and is an extremely popular destination for eno-tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mendoza is best known for its Malbec wines, which have a deep history in the region. Originally, grapes were brought by the Spanish via Chile in the late 1500s, however, Malbec did not see a significant rise in popularity until much later. It wasn\u2019t until the late 1800s when the Governor of Mendoza asked French agronomist, Miguel Pouget, to bring some vines from France that Malbec became a star in Argentina. The Malbec vines, which are native to Southwest France, adapted quickly to the land in Mendoza and produced a popular wine with richness, rounded tannins, and bold fruit. The style of Malbec made in Argentina is much different than the wines produced in France, with the Argentine version maintaining a bolder more fruit-forward style of wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Malbec is not the only grape in Mendoza, Cabernet Sauvignon has also seen great success coming out of this region, as well as Tempranillo, Merlot, Syrah, Bonarda, and Sangiovese for the reds. Chardonnay, S\u00e9millon, Torront\u00e9s, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pedro Xim\u00e9nez are popular white grapes in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Within Mendoza, there are three main wine growing regions, each with subregions within them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Central Region<\/strong> is actually in the northern part of the province with three zones: Alta del Rio Mendoza, East, and North. This area also includes the regions of Luj\u00e1n de Cuyo<\/strong>, which was the first to be recognized as an appellation, and Maip\u00fa,<\/strong> just outside the city of Mendoza. The vines in this region are typically planted at 650-1050 meters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Uco Valley Region <\/strong>includes the departments of Tupungato<\/strong>, Tunuy\u00e1n<\/strong>, and San Carlos<\/strong>. Vines here are usually in the highest vineyards at 850-1400 meters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the South Region<\/strong>, including San Rafael<\/strong> and General Alvear<\/strong>, vines are planted from 450-800 meters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RECOMMENDED:<\/strong> These are the Best Wineries to Visit in Mendoza for Wine Tasting<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The history of the wine region of Mendoza dates back to the mid-16th century when the Spanish Conquistadors brought grapevines from Europe to the region. The first recorded vineyard was planted in 1551 in Santiago del Estero, a province located in the northern part of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it wasn't until the mid-19th century that the wine industry in Mendoza began to flourish. In 1852, Argentina gained independence from Spain, and a wave of European immigrants, particularly Italians, arrived in the country, bringing with them their viticulture knowledge and techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The development of the wine industry in Mendoza was significantly aided by the construction of a railway line in 1885, which facilitated the transport of grapes and wine to Buenos Aires and other parts of the country. This resulted in a boom in wine production in Mendoza, with many new vineyards being established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you're interested in visiting Mendoza's stunning landscape and learning more about it's history, take a look at some of the additional wineries listed on our directory below or on our free mobile wine travel application<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Written By Jacqueline Coleman<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jacqueline Coleman<\/strong><\/a> is a professional wine writer, certified sommelier, wine judge and consultant based in Miami, FL.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Malbec is thought to have originated near Burgundy<\/a><\/strong> before spreading to other regions of France<\/a><\/strong>. Although it\u2019s probably best known as one of the red grapes allowed in Bordeaux blends, it\u2019s equally valued in Cahors in the Southwest. It also thrives in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/strong>, where it\u2019s known as C\u00f4t and is often used to produce lighter, more quaffable wines.<\/p>\r\n Malbec is, however, THE grape of Argentina<\/a><\/strong> due to Nicol\u00e1s Catena. He began a wine revolution in Argentina in the 1980s and studied the climate, the soils, the plantings, the farming. Every aspect of the winemaking process drove his passion to put Argentina on the international wine map. He inherently knew Argentina could and would make wine as great as anywhere else and had help from consultants such as Paul Hobbs and Attilio Pagli.<\/p>\r\n To this day, the Catena family and their Wine Institute continue to be the driving force in the development and propagation on making Argentine Malbec one of the best wines in the world.<\/p>\r\n IN THIS GUIDE:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n According to sommelier Kevin Cornish, Malbec is a lush, ripe wine with dark concentrated flavors. It contains beautiful black fruit flavors and aromatics of spice and some floral notes at times. There are different degrees of complexity in Malbec depending upon the winemaker and the region it is made in.<\/p>\r\n When from Cahors or Argentina, it can be positively inky, whereas it\u2019s lighter and brighter when it\u2019s from the Loire Valley. New World Malbecs outside of Argentina also tend to be muscular and bold. Expect lots of black fruit notes along with distinctive leather, mushroom, tobacco, smoke, pepper, and cacao. There are also hints of forest floor and clay in Malbec wines.<\/p>\r\n We\u2019re big believers in matching wine with cuisine from where it's produced, so try Malbec with grilled Argentine beef and chimichurri sauce \u2013 the pairing will pick up those smoky grilled notes along with the brighter herbal notes.<\/p>\r\n Cassoulet is another hearty pairing for French iterations. That said, since Malbec is so barbecue friendly, pair it with anything on the grill!<\/p>\r\n Argentina is basically a desert, due to the annual amount of rainfall (or lack thereof). For these high-altitude vineyards, careful study has been done for years to ensure the harvest is of the best quality, year in and year out. Water is in high demand and has been grandfathered in for use over the years. One can only use their allotment.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n On the valley floor, there are different methods of harvest, different pruning, and vine training. Vines may be more stressed at higher altitudes, and there are different soils.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Cooler climates, like the Loire Valley, will produce those lighter wines that can be chilled and popped open to sip on an easy Tuesday.<\/p>\r\n Bolder Cahors and Argentine Malbecs can age quite well. Although it's not as tannic as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec has a similar heft to it that breaks down and evolves beautifully with time. Malbec works well with a variety of oak treatments and, because it\u2019s bold, it tends not to be overwhelmed by deep toasting.<\/p>\r\n Written By Jamie Metzgar<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Jamie Elizabeth Metzgar began her career in wine by pouring in a tasting room on the East End of Long Island, NY. After moving to New York City, she landed a position at Chambers Street Wines where she was encouraged to pursue wine education at the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). She earned Level III certification there and has since earned California Wine Appellation Specialist and Certified Specialist of Wine certifications as well. After way too many moves, she has recently landed in Northern California where she is compiling an unofficial roster of dog-friendly tasting rooms.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\r\n [jetpack_subscription_form title=\"Get Articles Like These Directly in Your Inbox!\" subscribe_text=\"Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new articles are published.\" subscribe_button=\"Sign Me Up!\"]<\/p>","post_title":"Malbec","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"malbec-wine-grape-characteristics-taste-pairing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-07-31 13:10:01","post_modified_gmt":"2022-07-31 17:10:01","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/uncategorized\/malbec\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"grape","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1871,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2018-03-08 16:52:07","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-08 16:52:07","post_content":"\n Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine grape variety of the grapevine species vitis vinifera. It is the most widely grown red wine grape variety in the world, and its wines were recently ranked as the most searched and sought-after in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can form a full-bodied, complex, fruit-forward and dry wine when vinified correctly. The Cabernet Sauvignon grape has received most of its notoriety from being grown in the Bordeaux region of France<\/strong><\/a>. Traditionally speaking, these wines taste of heavy red and black fruit backed by noticeable tannins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IN THIS GUIDE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The climate Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in has been known to substantially affect its taste. Cooler climate Cabernet will tend to yield a more dark-fruit-forward wine with evidence of acidity. While warmer climates tend to yield more evidence of rich red fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Classic fruit notes are deep and dark: blackberry, black cherry, plum, cassis, and raisins. Earth and mineral notes can vary depending on terroir and vinification methods but classic notes include cedar, bell pepper, cracked spice, wood smoke, oak, tobacco, black olive, mushroom, mint, and wet gravel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of its complexity and high tannin structure, Cabernet Sauvignon is a great choice with any poultry or meat dish. The rugged spiciness of the wine combined with its dark fruit and earth will easily balance out grilled poultry, grilled pork, filet mignon, rack of lamb, or braised pork ribs perfectly. For vegetarian dishes, it works well with spiced mushroom, eggplant, or quinoa-based dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For cheese pairings, Cabernet Sauvignon works best with medium to sharp cheeses, like aged cheddar, apple-smoked gouda, asiago, gruyere, goat cheese, stilton, or bleu cheese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cabernet Sauvignon is a choice grape variety for wine drinkers and vintners alike because of its taste profile and ease to produce. The vines are incredibly hardy and can grow in an array of climates and terroirs. They produce grapes with thick skins which are highly resistant to damaging weather like frost and hail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yields are often high, which can be a huge positive for winemakers considering that Cabernet is one of the most in-demand red wines around the world. On the other hand, controlling yields is also important for more boutique, craft wineries who are looking for a more refined product. This requires further investment in labor costs and a choice selection in terroir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ironically, if you were to look at it on a timescale starting when humans first tried wine, Cabernet Sauvignon hasn\u2019t been around that long. It was stumbled upon during the 17th century in Southwestern France<\/strong><\/a>, where Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong><\/a> and Cabernet Franc<\/strong><\/a> were crossed to form a new grape variety. (This was recently discovered in 1996 where DNA testing was done at the <\/em>UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology<\/em><\/a>).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond Bordeaux, there are a plethora of quality Cabernet growing areas. Venture into regions like the Loire Valley, Lebanon\u2019s Beqaa Valley<\/a><\/strong>, Tuscany<\/strong><\/a>, and Navarra in Spain to truly expand your palate and see this grape\u2019s potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While centuries of wine production in Bordeaux helped launch Cabernet to fame over time, other regions like Napa Valley<\/strong><\/a> have helped bring it to the forefront of the new world as a single-varietal red wine. Many Bordeaux winemakers are known for blending Cabernet Sauvignon with other varieties, such as Merlot and Cabernet Franc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With wine production is expanding globally at a record pace, wine enthusiasts should begin to look towards other old world and new world wine-producing regions to sample new takes on Cabernet Sauvignon. In North America, Washington State<\/a><\/strong> is growing gorgeous examples of Cabernet in AVAs including Yakima, Walla Walla<\/a><\/strong>, Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills and the Columbia Valley. California wine lovers undoubtedly should continue to keep an eye on Sonoma County\u2019s wines<\/strong><\/a>. Paso Robles<\/strong><\/a>, and Lake County<\/a><\/strong>. The Santa Cruz Mountains<\/strong><\/a> are also crafting some delicious examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A variety of New World countries and regions produce fantastic Cabernet. From New Zealand\u2019s Hawke\u2019s Bay region to Australia\u2019s McLaren Valley, all the way to regions across Chile<\/strong><\/a> and even Stellenbosch in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cabernet Sauvignon produces some of the most age-worthy wines in the world. Cab loves oak \u2013 it\u2019s such a bold wine that it\u2019s almost impossible for oak to be intrusive. Instead, oak can really work wonders to round out the rough edges of young Cabernet Sauvignon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n French, American, and Hungarian oak all work well with Cab and it\u2019s rare that oak isn\u2019t used. High-end Bordeaux and high-end Napa Cabs can age for decades, and even less expensive Cabernets can age for a bit. While we don\u2019t necessarily recommend hanging on to an inexpensive wine for years \u2013 they are, after all, meant to be drunk young \u2013 with Cab, it could be a fun experiment just to see what happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Mendoza\u2019s Grape Varieties<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Wine Regions within Mendoza<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The History of Mendoza<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n[jetpack_subscription_form title=\"Get Articles Like These Directly in Your Inbox!\" subscribe_text=\"Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new articles are published. It's free!\" subscribe_button=\"Sign Me Up!\"]\n","post_title":"Mendoza","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"mendoza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-14 16:51:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-14 21:51:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=wine_region&p=8659","menu_order":0,"post_type":"wine_region","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"sub_region":{"term_id":1823,"name":"Lujan de Cuyo","slug":"lujan-de-cuyo","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1823,"taxonomy":"sub_region","description":"","parent":0,"count":1,"filter":"raw"},"address_1":"Cobos S\/N","address_2":"","country":{"ID":4807,"post_author":"43","post_date":"2018-09-19 14:16:21","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-19 14:16:21","post_content":"","post_title":"Argentina","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"argentina","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2018-09-19 14:16:21","post_modified_gmt":"2018-09-19 14:16:21","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=country&p=4807","menu_order":0,"post_type":"country","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"state":{"ID":8660,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2019-08-10 10:51:30","post_date_gmt":"2019-08-10 14:51:30","post_content":"","post_title":"Mendoza Province","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"mendoza-province","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-10 10:51:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-10 14:51:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=state&p=8660","menu_order":0,"post_type":"state","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"city":"Luj\u00e1n de Cuyo","postal_code":"5509","lat":"-33.1645362","lng":"-68.9189011","place_id":"ChIJz0pRHEUJfpYRbXWjkL0EwJ4","tasting_details":"Catena Pyramid Visit<\/strong>
\r\nWelcome drink at La Pir\u00e1mide. Walk by the main barrels room and tour of the vineyard. A tasting of three high-end wines with a selection of nuts.
\r\n
\r\nWines: Catena Alta Chardonnay, Catena Cabernet Sauvignon and Nicasia Malbec
\r\n
\r\nDuration: 1 hour and 15 minutes (including time in the Wine Shop).
\r\nAvailable hours: Monday to Friday 09:30, 11:30, 15:00, 16:00 h. Saturdays 9:30 and 11:30 h.","tasting_price":"$30 per person.","tour_details":"If you plan to visit Mendoza, please accept our invitation to visit us.
\r\n
\r\nGiven that all tours are done by specialized guides in small groups, we encourage you to book a date and time in advance.
\r\n
\r\nRenaissance of Malbec Visit<\/strong>
\r\nTour based on the history of Malbec.
\r\nVisit to La Pir\u00e1mide vineyard.
\r\nGuided barrel tasting and 4 high-end wines, accompanied by regional cheeses, charcuteries, olives and nuts.
\r\nWines: Catena Alta Malbec, D.V. Catena Vineyard Designated Adrianna Malbec, Malbec Argentino and Nicol\u00e1s Catena Zapata.
\r\n
\r\nDuration: 2 hours (including time in the Wine Shop).
\r\nAvailable hours: Monday to Friday 11:00 and 15:00 h. Saturdays 11:00 h.
\r\nPrice: $100 per person.
\r\n
\r\nAdrianna Grand Cru Visit<\/strong>
\r\nTour focused on the vineyard wines of Adrianna Vineyard.
\r\nVisit to La Pir\u00e1mide vineyard.
\r\nGuided barrel tasting and four of the Parcel wines from Adrianna as well as Malbec Argentino, paired with tapas of regional products.
\r\nWines: Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones, Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones, Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae, Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Stones and Malbec Argentino.
\r\n
\r\nDuration: 2 and a half hours (including time in the Wine Shop).
\r\nAvailable hours: Tuesday and Friday 10:30 h.
\r\nPrice: $150 per person.","tour_price":"","reservations_required":false,"reservation_details":"Reservations are highly recommended well ahead of time in order to secure a tour. Expect a few days response time from the winery or call Catena Zapata directly.","gallery":[{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/catena-zapata-barrel-room-tour-tasting.jpg","title":"","description":""},{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/bodega-catena-zapata-visitor-information-wine-tasting-tour-reviews-hours-booking-winetraveler.jpg","title":"","description":""},{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/bodega-catena-zapata-pyramind.jpg","title":"","description":""}],"grapes":[{"ID":1887,"post_author":"12","post_date":"2018-03-08 16:52:08","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-08 16:52:08","post_content":"\r\n\t
\r\n<\/a>What Does Malbec Taste Like? <\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
<\/a>Malbec Food Pairings<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
<\/a>Climate and Terroir for Malbec<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
<\/a>How is Malbec Aged? <\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
<\/a>Try some of these Malbec wine recommendations from around the world:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
\r\n\t
Learn About These Other Wine Grape Varieties<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/a>What Does Cabernet Sauvignon Taste Like? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Cabernet Sauvignon Food Pairings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Climate and Terroir for Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>How Cabernet Sauvignon is Aged<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Try some of these great Cabernet Sauvignon wines and Cabernet-based blends from around the world: <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Learn About These Other Wine Grape Varieties<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n