Bodega Catena Zapata

"Nicolás Catena Zapata is justly credited with putting Argentinean wines on the world map—by the best expedient of focusing entirely on quality. It's great to know he has started a wine dynasty, too."

Jancis Robinson

Financial Times wine journalist

A Legacy Rooted in History

Bodega Catena Zapata, a pioneer of fine Argentine wine, is a family-owned winery with a rich four-generation history. Located in Mendoza at the base of the Andes, the winery revolutionizes high-altitude viticulture. It crafts world-class wines that highlight Argentina’s distinctive terroir.

The Catena family’s winemaking journey began in 1902, when Nicola Catena, an Italian immigrant, planted his first Malbec vineyard. Decades later, in the 1980s, Nicola’s grandson, Nicolás Catena Zapata, propelled the winery to global recognition. His visionary leadership transformed Argentine wine into a symbol of excellence worldwide. Nicolás, inspired by the quality of European wines, undertook a mission to elevate Argentine Malbec to international acclaim.

Taking a bold step, Nicolás planted vines in regions once deemed too extreme for ripening. He revolutionized high-altitude winemaking and discovered a remarkable terroir: the Adrianna Vineyard, rising nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. Often called the “Grand Cru of South America,” this vineyard exemplifies excellence in viticulture.

Today, the Catena Institute of Wine meticulously examines every aspect of this extraordinary vineyard. From the soil composition to the tiniest microorganisms, the team’s dedication has made the Adrianna Vineyard one of the most studied and celebrated vineyards in the world.

International Recognition & Awards

Consistently earning top scores from leading wine critics and publications, including Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, and Decanter, Bodega Catena Zapata has received widespread recognition for its exceptional wine. Among its many accolades, the winery’s iconic Nicolás Catena Zapata, a Bordeaux-style blend, has been named one of the world’s finest wines.

Nicolás became the first South American to be awarded the prestigious Decanter Man of the Year (2009) and Wine Spectator’s Distinguished Service Award (2012).

In 2011 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from German magazine Der Feinschmecker, and in 2017, Argentina’s Ministry of Tourism honored Nicolás with a Marca País Award, the country’s greatest honour, for his efforts to bring Argentine wine to the front of the world stage.

In 2020, the prestigious Drinks International awarded Catena Zapata as the “World’s Most Admired Wine Brand.”

Iconic Wines & Terroir-Driven Excellence

Malbec is at the heart of Bodega Catena Zapata’s portfolio, celebrated for its rich, velvety texture, and complex flavors. The Catena Alta and Catena Zapata Malbecs showcase the varietal’s potential for elegance and longevity. The winery’s other offerings include the White Bones and White Stones Chardonnays, which reflect the terroir of their high-altitude vineyards and rival the world’s finest white wines.

Catena Zapata’s architectural centerpiece, its pyramid-shaped winery, symbolizes its blend of tradition and innovation. Inspired by Mayan temples, it stands as a beacon for those seeking excellence in Argentine winemaking.

The family’s Adrianna Vineyard is the first vineyard in South America to receive 100 points from Robert Parker Wine Advocate along with perfect scores from James Suckling and Falstaff. Catena Zapata was named the No. 1 World’s Most Admired Wine Brand of 2020 by Drinks International magazine.

More than a producer of fine wines, Bodega Catena Zapata has reshaped Argentina’s role on the global wine stage. Through groundbreaking research and innovative practices, the winery consistently pushes boundaries in winemaking. Additionally, its meticulous vineyard management ensures every detail is perfected to showcase Argentina’s unique terroir. Furthermore, an unwavering passion for quality drives the team to achieve excellence year after year. As a result, Bodega Catena Zapata continues to set new benchmarks in the world of fine wine. Each bottle tells the story of Argentina’s rich winemaking heritage, its breathtaking landscapes, and the pioneering spirit of the Catena family.