Quick Sip: Bodega Catena Zapata 2014 Chardonnay and 2013 Malbec
Hello Friends,
Today’s Quick Sip comes to me from Bodega Catena Zapata in Mendoza, Argentina. These wines are made from 100% estate-grown fruit from the family’s high-altitude vineyards (3,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level). Founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant, Nicola Catena, the winery remains under family control and is overseen by third and fourth-generation family members Nicolás Catena and his daughter Laura. This is not my first rodeo with the wines of Bodega Catena. This producer is well-regarded for quality-driven wines that consistently deliver good value. For that reason, it is good to have a few bottles on hand for your upcoming backyard cookouts and last-minute get-togethers. I’ve reviewed the 2014 Chardonnay and 2013 Malbec for this post. For further information and where you can find these wines, please see my tasting notes below.
Bodega Catena Zapata 2014 Chardonnay (SRP $20): Fruit for this Chardonnay was sourced from three high-altitude vineyards, all owned by the Catena family that range from 3,100 to 4,700 feet. Aromas of pear tart, citrus blossom and spiced fruitcake are joined on the palate by yellow-fleshed fruit flavors and floral notes. It is noticeably round with a sweet, mouth-filling texture supported by adequate acidity and freshness. A very enjoyable Chardonnay; it ends with a faint mineral streak and overtones of spice lingering on the medium-long finish. Try a bottle with pasta, risotto dishes or oven-roasted chicken. It’s also a satisfying solitary sipper. Region: Mendoza, Argentina. Other info: ABV 13.5%, partial ML, matured in new-to-two year old French oak barrels for 10 months, bottled aged 12 months, and natural cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
Bodega Catena Zapata 2013 Malbec (SRP $24): This is a deeply colored and concentrated Malbec boasting aromas and flavors suggestive of dark stone fruit and blackberry preserve intertwined with rose petals, cedar/peppery spice, and underlying hints of wild herbs. On the palate, this wine is medium- bodied with fine, sweet tannins. It has just enough acidity to lift the fruit and provide balance. The texture shows flavor density and richness that carries through the medium-long, earth-tinged finish. This is an overall very satisfying wine; especially when paired with heartier dishes such as leg of lamb, pot roast or pork chops. Region: Mendoza, Argentina. Other info: ABV 13.5%, matured in new-to-two year old French oak barrels for 12-14 months, bottled aged 10 months, and natural cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
Today’s Quick Sip comes to me from Bodega Catena Zapata in Mendoza, Argentina. These wines are made from 100% estate-grown fruit from the family’s high-altitude vineyards (3,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level). Founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant, Nicola Catena, the winery remains under family control and is overseen by third and fourth-generation family members Nicolás Catena and his daughter Laura. This is not my first rodeo with the wines of Bodega Catena. This producer is well-regarded for quality-driven wines that consistently deliver good value. For that reason, it is good to have a few bottles on hand for your upcoming backyard cookouts and last-minute get-togethers. I’ve reviewed the 2014 Chardonnay and 2013 Malbec for this post. For further information and where you can find these wines, please see my tasting notes below.
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| Bodega Catena Zapata 2014 Chardonnay |
Bodega Catena Zapata 2014 Chardonnay (SRP $20): Fruit for this Chardonnay was sourced from three high-altitude vineyards, all owned by the Catena family that range from 3,100 to 4,700 feet. Aromas of pear tart, citrus blossom and spiced fruitcake are joined on the palate by yellow-fleshed fruit flavors and floral notes. It is noticeably round with a sweet, mouth-filling texture supported by adequate acidity and freshness. A very enjoyable Chardonnay; it ends with a faint mineral streak and overtones of spice lingering on the medium-long finish. Try a bottle with pasta, risotto dishes or oven-roasted chicken. It’s also a satisfying solitary sipper. Region: Mendoza, Argentina. Other info: ABV 13.5%, partial ML, matured in new-to-two year old French oak barrels for 10 months, bottled aged 12 months, and natural cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
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| Bodega Catena Zapata 2013 Malbec |
Bodega Catena Zapata 2013 Malbec (SRP $24): This is a deeply colored and concentrated Malbec boasting aromas and flavors suggestive of dark stone fruit and blackberry preserve intertwined with rose petals, cedar/peppery spice, and underlying hints of wild herbs. On the palate, this wine is medium- bodied with fine, sweet tannins. It has just enough acidity to lift the fruit and provide balance. The texture shows flavor density and richness that carries through the medium-long, earth-tinged finish. This is an overall very satisfying wine; especially when paired with heartier dishes such as leg of lamb, pot roast or pork chops. Region: Mendoza, Argentina. Other info: ABV 13.5%, matured in new-to-two year old French oak barrels for 12-14 months, bottled aged 10 months, and natural cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
