Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Catena Zapata
Label Name:
 
Malbec Argentino
Vintage:
 
2018
Country:
 
Argentina
Region:
 
Mendoza (Lunlunta & Nicasia; Uco Valley)
Volume:
 
3000ml
ABV:
 
13.8%
Grape(s):
 
100% Malbec
Method:
 
Hand-harvested; ~20% whole-cluster fermentation in small bins/barrels with indigenous yeasts. Fermented in 225–500L French oak and aged ~18 months in French oak barrels.
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Deep purple. Aromas of black cherry, plum, violet, tobacco and sweet spice. Palate delivers concentrated dark fruit, cocoa and mocha, lively acidity and silky but present tannins, finishing long, savory and mineral-tinged.
Food Pairing:
 
Western: grilled steak/asado, roast lamb, braised short ribs, mushroom risotto, aged Manchego/Parmigiano. Asian: Korean bulgogi/BBQ, Japanese yakiniku, Chinese char siu or spicy Sichuan beef, teriyaki beef skewers.
Vineyard Info:
 
Bodega Catena Zapata — four-generation Mendoza producer (Laura Catena, Alejandro Vigil). Pioneers of high‑altitude Malbec from historic 'Catena cuttings' and parcel selection.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Selected scores for Malbec Argentino 2018 — James Suckling: 97; The Wine Advocate (Robert Parker): 95; Tim Atkin: 94; Wine Spectator: 94