Catena Zapata

Dating back to 1902, when Nicola Catena, an Italian immigrant, planted his inaugural vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina, the Catena winery has remained a cherished family venture, now in its fourth generation. Today, under the leadership of Nicolás Catena and his daughter Laura, Catena Zapata stands as a trailblazer in Argentina’s fine wine production scene, with Nicolás recognized as the vintner who redefined wine quality standards in the country. Armed with an economist’s acumen, Nicolás initiated a transformative journey in the early 1980s, striving to craft wines that could rival the world’s best, particularly pioneering Malbec and high-altitude viticulture.

The introduction of Catena wines in 1992 heralded a new era, setting unparalleled standards for quality in South American viticulture. Over two decades later, Catena wines continue to lead the charge, embodying the essence of Argentine winemaking excellence. Located in premier growing regions such as Villa Bastías, Tupungato, and Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo, the Catena family’s estate vineyards benefit from Mendoza’s unique high-altitude terroir, elevating every bottle of Catena wine.

Catena Classic wines represent a blend of single varietals sourced from the family’s high-altitude vineyards, each meticulously tended to express its unique terroir. In contrast, Catena Alta wines, introduced in the early 1990s, epitomize the pinnacle of Argentine winemaking, sourced from historic rows or “lots” within the estate vineyards, meticulously vinified to showcase their individual character.

Catena Zapata embodies Nicolás’s unwavering pursuit of excellence, with a focus on unprecedented quality, concentration, and balance. Through meticulous vineyard management and plant-by-plant selection, Nicolás cultivated the Zapata Four: Nicolás Catena Zapata, Malbec Argentino, Adrianna Malbec, and Nicasia Malbec, setting new benchmarks in Argentine wine production.

Guiding this relentless pursuit of quality is Alejandro Vigil, a visionary winemaker with a scientific background in agricultural engineering. Alejandro’s creative energy drives innovation, pushing the boundaries of conventional viticulture and winemaking wisdom. With a focus on understanding Mendoza’s unique terroir, Alejandro continually experiments, aiming to unlock the full potential of the region’s high-altitude desert oasis.

At Catena Zapata, tradition meets innovation, resulting in wines that embody the essence of Argentina’s winemaking heritage while pushing the boundaries of excellence.