Catena Zapata High Mountain Vines Malbec 2022

Nicolas Catena has been instrumental in Argentina’s progress over the last three decades, bringing the country's wine industry into line with world class standards. What you can now get for your money in the present day climate are seriously good expressions of the nation's signature varietal, Malbec, that rival many Australian reds for punch and price. Made by fourth generation vintner Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil, this wine is sourced from three high altitude vineyards. Each vineyard is specifically farmed in preparation for its role in the final blend. Eighty year old vines in the Lunlunta (Maipù) vineyard lend soft, sweet texture whilst the intense sunshine in the Gualtallary (Tupungato) vineyard provides explosive floral aromatics and a concentrated structure. The last component is from El Cipillo in Eugenio Bustos, which has loamy sands and thick calcareous layers sit over rounded rock. Maturation takes place in a mix of new, second and third use French oak barrels for a period of 11-13 months.

2022 was an exceptional year from every possible qualitative standpoint. Winemaker Alejandro Vigil stating: “This is the best year that I have lived through”.

Catena Zapata has just been named The World’s Most Admired Wine Brand for 2025, reaffirming its place at the top of the global wine stage.

This is the second time Catena’s claimed the No. 1 title, and their sixth recognition as South America’s most admired wine brand - proof of consistent excellence and influence, especially with Malbec.

Still family-owned and run, Catena has been crafting wine in Mendoza since 1902. Today, Laura Catena continues the legacy, pushing boundaries with high-altitude vineyard sites and a vision for Malbec that’s both classic and evolving.