Wines Unspecified Catena Zapata - 2017

Viniou Reviews

Catena Zapata 2017 is an exemplary red wine hailing from Mendoza, Argentina, a region renowned for producing some of the world's most expressive Malbecs, though Catena Zapata is also known for crafting blends and varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The 2017 vintage enjoyed a season marked by moderate temperatures, which helped maintain aromatic purity and an attractive freshness in the finished wines. In the winery, Catena Zapata employs both traditional winemaking techniques and modern precision, often ageing the wine in French oak barrels to impart subtle notes of spice and augment the natural richness of the fruit. The wine typically displays a deep ruby hue with an inviting bouquet of ripe blackberries, plums, violets and hints of tobacco and cocoa from careful barrel ageing. The palate is full-bodied yet graceful, with velvety tannins and a lingering, vibrant finish.

Mendoza itself lies in the shadow of the Andes, and its vineyards benefit greatly from the high-altitude terroir. The combination of brilliant sunshine, crisp nights, well-drained alluvial soils, and minimal rainfall encourages grapes to ripen slowly, preserving acidity and balancing the exuberant fruit character. This unique microclimate has propelled Mendoza to the forefront of South American viticulture, with a history dating back to 16th-century Spanish settlers. Today, it is celebrated for producing sophisticated, ageworthy reds that confidently rival Old World classics.

For food pairings, Catena Zapata 2017's structure and depth make it a perfect match for grilled Argentinian beef, such as bife de chorizo or entraña. The wine’s concentration also partners well with lamb roasted with rosemary, duck confit, or even earthy mushroom risottos. For a regional touch, consider empanadas filled with spiced meat or a hearty locro stew to highlight the wine’s spice and dark fruit character.

Decanting for an hour before service can help the wine to open up and reveal its full aromatic complexity. The ideal serving temperature is between 16 and 18°C, which will allow the vibrant fruit and supple tannins to shine while maintaining the wine’s freshness and elegance on the palate.