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History of Bodega Catena Zapata

Founded in 1902, Bodega Catena Zapata has played a pioneering role in the Argentine wine industry. Their vision is to create exceptional wines that truly reflect the unique characteristics of their origin.

Reviving Malbec and Discovering High Altitude Terroirs

Bodega Catena Zapata is renowned for its efforts in resurrecting the Malbec grape and exploring the extremely high altitude terroirs found in the Andean foothills of Mendoza. Their dedication to pushing boundaries and challenging conventions has shaped the Argentine wine scene.

The Grand Cru of South America - Adrianna Vineyard

The family's Adrianna Vineyard, situated at nearly 5,000 feet elevation, has earned the esteemed title of the "Grand Cru of South America." This vineyard showcases the exceptional potential of high-altitude viticulture in Argentina.

The High-Altitude Wine Revolution

Nicolás Catena Zapata fearlessly planted vines in locations previously considered unsuitable for ripening grapes. His groundbreaking exploration of high-altitude vineyards led to the discovery of the Adrianna Vineyard, an extraordinary terroir nestled at almost 5,000 feet elevation.

The Catena Institute of Wine

The Catena Institute of Wine, comprising a dedicated team, is deeply committed to studying every aspect of the Adrianna Vineyard. From meticulously examining the terrain, rocks, and microorganisms, this vineyard has become one of the most extensively researched and analyzed in the world.

Altitude and Fruit Quality

Throughout his journey, Nicolás Catena Zapata uncovered the profound influence of altitude on the quality of grapes. As one ascends the Andes, temperatures decrease, creating a larger temperature variation between day and night. This climatic condition provides an ideal environment for grape maturation, resulting in exceptional fruit quality.

Parcel Farming for Authentic Expression

Recognizing the significance of soil composition, the Catena Zapata family meticulously divides each of their vineyards into individual parcels. By farming these parcels separately, they aim to nurture and amplify the authentic expression of the fruit from each unique terroir.