Catena Zapata Alta Malbec 2020

Grape varietal & region:Catena Alta is an assemblage of historic rows within the Catena family Estate vineyards. The blend of these historic rows, like the marriage of sounds that create a symphony, yields a highly aromatic and elegant wine that speaks for the earth and the vines that have been tended by the Catenas for four generations. The Catena Alta wines can usually be drunk starting at three years after harvest and into the following one to two decades.

Taste profile:It has elegant, aromatic notes of blackberry, raspberry, and flowers, with licorice elements and a touch of leather. The palate is rich with soft and sweet tannins and a silky smooth structure. It has multiple complex layers of rich cassis, black currant, interwoven with hints of black pepper. Its lengthy finish is marked by wonderful minerality, finely-grained tannins and lively acidity.

Winemaking process:Vineyard lots are harvested at different times to ensure optimal natural acidity and moderate alcohol levels. Whole berries are hand loaded into small format fermentation bins and 225-500 L barrels; lots from each vineyard are treated individually; fermentation and maceration last for 28-30 days; cold maceration. Wild yeasts. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in barrel; wine undergoes active battonage to protect it and drastically reduce the amount of SO2 needed. Aged for 18 months in French oak.