Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Catena Zapata
Label Name:
 
Argentino Malbec
Vintage:
 
2018
Country:
 
Argentina
Region:
 
Mendoza (Lunlunta & Nicasia; Uco Valley)
Volume:
 
3000ml
ABV:
 
13.8%
Grape(s):
 
100% Malbec
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Selected scores for Malbec Argentino 2018 — James Suckling: 97; The Wine Advocate (Robert Parker): 95; Tim Atkin: 94; Wine Spectator: 94

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.

Production 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.

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.