Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec

The Nicasia Malbec from Catena Zapata comes from a single site in the Gualtallary Valley – one of the highest wine-growing regions in Mendoza at over 1,450 meters. At this altitude, the grapes ripen more slowly, the nights are cold, and UV radiation is intense: the result is Malbec wines with unusual structure and freshness.

Catena Zapata is considered a pioneer of Argentine high-altitude viticulture. Nicolás Catena Zapata began systematically planting vines at ever-greater altitudes in the 1980s – against the trend at the time. The Nicasia site, named after his mother, is one of the results of this work.

In the glass, the wine shows blackberry, plum, and blackcurrant, underpinned by cedarwood, tobacco, and a hint of dark chocolate. The tannins are dense but fine-grained – not a block of wood, but a structured body with a long, mineral-spicy finish. The acidity holds everything together and gives the wine drive.

• Food: Argentine Asado, braised leg of lamb, beef steak with chimichurri, or aged Manchego
• Temperature: 17–18 °C