Tasting Notes
Catena Zapata Nicolás 2018 shows an intense, deep purple with bluish-black tones. Black fruits dominate the nose—blackberries, black cherries, and black plums—with subtle layers of vanilla and dark chocolate, alongside savory green olive and a mineral hint. On the palate, the wine reveals tremendous complexity, unfolding red currant, eucalyptus, and black pepper flavors. Black cherry and blackberry notes transition to cassis, followed by a touch of saline minerality. Richly concentrated, the wine’s firm tannic structure underpins its lush fruit, leading to a long finish that hints at exceptional aging potential for this Argentine masterpiece.
Background
Catena Zapata introduced the Nicolás in 1997 as the first luxury Argentine cuvée exported worldwide. It recreates the “Original Bordeaux Blend” of the 18th and 19th centuries, where Malbec played a dominant role alongside Cabernet Sauvignon in Médoc. Ungrafted pre-phylloxeric Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Mendoza’s mountain vineyards give this wine a unique historical character.
Vinification
Harvesting is conducted by hand, with some parcels undergoing whole-bunch fermentation to enhance tannic structure and freshness. Fermentation occurs in 500-liter oak barrels, concrete, and stainless steel tanks at 26-28ºC for 10-15 days, followed by a post-fermentative maceration lasting 5-10 days. Malolactic fermentation is completed, and the wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months.
Meanwhile, let the Nicolás Catena Zapata breathe in a decanter as you grill a Bone-in Ribeye Steak to perfection.
To learn more visit Catena Zapata here or on their website here.
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