Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec 2020
Malbec
Description
Catena Zapata, based in Mendoza, Argentina, has played a defining role in elevating Malbec to global prominence. The family’s modern era began under Nicolás Catena Zapata, who championed high-altitude viticulture in the Andes to capture greater freshness, structure and aromatic purity in Argentine wines.
The Nicasia Vineyard sits in the Altamira district of the Uco Valley, around 1,095 metres above sea level. Here, the soils are alluvial - a mix of gravel, limestone and sand deposited by ancient Andean rivers. These free-draining soils naturally limit vine vigour, producing smaller berries with concentrated flavour and firm tannic structure.
Fruit for Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec 2020 is hand-harvested and carefully sorted. Fermentation takes place in small lots to preserve the character of each parcel, followed by maturation in French oak barrels for around 18 months. The result is a Malbec that combines the generosity of New World fruit with a structure and freshness that often draws comparisons to Old World reds.
Colour:
Deep violet with an almost opaque core and youthful purple rim.
Nose:
Blackberry, plum and black cherry lead the aromatics, followed by violet, dried herbs and a subtle graphite note. Hints of cocoa, cedar and sweet spice emerge with air.
Palate:
Full-bodied but poised. Dark berry fruit and black plum sit at the centre, supported by fine, firm tannins typical of high-altitude Malbec. Fresh acidity lifts the richness, while notes of mocha, liquorice and crushed stone add depth and savoury complexity.
Finish:
Long and structured, with lingering dark fruit, cocoa and a mineral edge.
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Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec 2020
- Food Pairing : The structure and depth of Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec 2020 make it a natural partner for rich, savoury dishes. It works beautifully with chargrilled ribeye or Karoo lamb chops, where the wine’s firm tannins soften against the meat’s fat. A slow-braised beef short rib or oxtail stew also pairs well, echoing the wine’s dark fruit and savoury spice notes. For something slightly lighter, mushroom risotto or roasted aubergine with herbs complements the wine’s earthy, mineral undertones while allowing the fruit to remain the focus.
- Drink before: Cellaring potential: 12–20 years from vintage.
- Vintage: 2020
- Manufacturer: Premier Cru Wines
- Region: Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
- Medals Won: James Suckling: 96 points. Wine Advocate (Robert Parker): 94+ points. Vinous (Joaquín Hidalgo): 94 points.
- Grapes used to make this wine were grown in: Alluvial - a mix of gravel, limestone and sand deposited by ancient Andean rivers.
- Sugar Content: 2.9g/L
- Alcohol Content: 13.9%
Stock and Delivery:
In Stock: Standard delivery within 5 days
Stock at supplier: Delivery within 10 - 15 days
R99 Nationwide
Free Delivery: On orders over R2 000
Our Guarantee:
We guarantee a full credit on the cost of the wine, no questions asked, and we will also collect the remainder of any pack and refund you in full if you are unhappy with the quality, the service or any aspect of Wine-of-the-Month Club.
Replacements:
In the unlikely event that there is a broken bottle in your case, please tell us immediately and we will credit your account. We reserve the right to substitute product if stock runs out, to the same or higher value of the stock.
Please note:
These figures are subject to change.
