Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Catena Zapata
Label Name:
 
Malbec Argentino
Vintage:
 
2018
Country:
 
Argentina
Region:
 
Mendoza (Valle de Uco, Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, Gualtallary)
Volume:
 
1500ml
ABV:
 
13.6%
Grape(s):
 
100% Malbec
Method:
 
Cold maceration (~5 days), fermentation ~12 days with 19–22 days post-fermentation maceration; some whole-cluster (≈20–30%); wild yeasts; aged 12–18 months in French oak (500L barrels).
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Ripe black cherry, plum and blackberry with violet florals, cocoa, tobacco and slate minerality. Medium–full-bodied, fresh acidity and smooth tannins with a long, savory dark-fruit finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Grilled ribeye/steak, roasted lamb, barbecued short ribs, empanadas, aged cheeses (cheddar, manchego); Asian: Korean BBQ, char siu/roast pork, teriyaki beef, Sichuan beef, yakitori and rich noodle dishes.
Vineyard Info:
 
Bodega Catena Zapata — four-generation Mendoza family winery emphasizing high‑altitude estate vineyards and research via the Catena Institute; Laura Catena leads the house.
Awards/Ratings:
 
James Suckling 97; Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 95; Vinous 94; Wine Spectator 93. (Approx