Nicolas Catena Zapata

The Nicolas Catena Zapata is the flagship of the house – a cuvée that shows what Argentine winemaking is capable of in the high altitudes of the Andes.

Catena Zapata has been cultivating vineyards in Mendoza's highlands, between 900 and 1,500 meters, since the 1980s. Nicolás Catena Zapata was the first to systematically focus on high-altitude vineyards – now standard practice in Argentina, but an experiment at the time. The winery is considered a pioneer of modern Argentine winemaking.

In the glass, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec displays aromas of dark blackberry, blackcurrant, and plum, underpinned by notes of cedar, graphite, and a hint of tobacco. The tannins are dense yet silky – the result of extended barrel aging. The finish is long, with a mineral note that reflects its volcanic origin.

• Dishes: Dry-aged ribeye, leg of lamb with rosemary, mature Manchego cheese
• Temperature: 17–18 °C
• Drinking window: Now until 2030+, with a decanting time of at least one hour.