Bodega Catena Zapata | |
---|---|
Location | Mendoza, Argentina |
Appellation | Mendoza Wine |
Founded | 1902 |
Key people | Nicola Catena, Domingo V. Catena, Nicolás Catena Zapata, Laura Catena & Alejandro Vigil |
Known for | High Altitude Malbec |
Varietals | Malbec , Chardonnay , Cabernet Sauvignon |
Distribution | International |
Website | http://www.CatenaZapata.com/ |
Bodega Catena Zapata is a family-owned winery located in Mendoza, in the sub appellation of Agrelo, Argentina. The winery structure is distinguished by its pyramid-like design based on Mayan architecture. [1]
The winery was founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena and was passed to his son Domingo. [2] [3] Domingo’s son, Nicolás Catena Zapata (A.K.A. Nicolás Catena), was a pioneer to introduce European winemaking techniques to Argentina, [1] [4] including the introduction of Malbec and vine growing in high altitudes. [5] [6] [7] [8] Nicolás Catena’s daughter, Laura Catena, and other members of the Zapata family, have also been involved in the winery. [9]
In 2023, it was awarded the title of the World's Best Vineyards. [10]
A vineyard is a plantation of grape-bearing vines, grown mainly for winemaking, but also raisins, table grapes, and non-alcoholic grape juice. The science, practice and study of vineyard production is known as viticulture. Vineyards are often characterised by their terroir, a French term loosely translating as "a sense of place" that refers to the specific geographical and geological characteristics of grapevine plantations, which may be imparted to the wine itself.
Malbec is a purple grape variety used in making red wine. The grapes tend to have an inky dark color and robust tannins, and are known as one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine. In France, plantations of Malbec are now found primarily in Cahors in South West France, though the grape is grown worldwide. It is also available as an Argentine varietal.
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