Laura Catena’s father took over the family business from his own father, Domingo, in the 1960s, at a time when their ancestors were still producing wines according to traditional Italian methods?–?the family having fled Italy hit by widespread famine in the early 20th century. Each generation played its part in building Bodega Catena Zapata, now considered one of the most renowned family-run estates in Argentina.
Speaking to us directly, Laura Catena explains, “My great-grandfather already believed that Argentina was one of the best places in the world to make wine, but he thought its winemakers would never be able to compete with the French and their exceptional terroirs. My father disagreed with him, insisting that even Argentine wines deserved a place on French tables.” Time proved him right with Jancis Robinson even stating, “Nicolás Catena Zapata is rightly credited with putting Argentine wines on the world map, focusing relentlessly on driving up quality. It’s fantastic to see that he laid the foundations for a true dynasty of winemakers.” Thorough soil surveys, plot-by-plot and high-altitude cultivations, and a constant re-evaluation and refinement of winemaking techniques are the keys of this estate’s success, now a true symbol of Argentine viticulture. The wines are precise, aromatic and a perfect expression of their often cool climate terroir.

The grass is always greener somewhere else, and Malbec, when it comes from Argentina, is always better. Or so the Catena Zapata family would have us believe, cultivating their vines at the foot of the majestic Andes mountain range. And we’d be tempted to agree: the Fortuna Terrae plot, with its deep loamy soil and high altitude (around 1,300 metres), imparts balance, freshness and good acidity to the grapes.
To bring out the crispness and subtlety of the fruity aromas, the grapes first undergo cold maceration at less than 10 degrees Celsius, then ferment for between 13 and 19 days. The juices undergo a second post-fermentation maceration, before being matured in French oak casks for between 14 and 18 months.
The tasting experience lives up to expectations: the nose reveals a powerful floral bouquet, dominated by subtle notes of cherry and raspberry. This fruity intensity then takes over, immediately gripping the palate. The palate is further enlivened by hints of pepper, balsamic and cloves. Smoothness and perfectly blended tannins combine with a never-ending lingering finish.