Catena Zapata – The Soul of Argentine Malbec

Catena Zapata is one of Argentina’s most renowned wine producers, with a winemaking heritage in Mendoza dating back to 1902. Founded by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena, the family winery has played a pioneering role in the development of Argentine wine, particularly through its dedication to high-altitude vineyards and Malbec.

A Family Legacy in Mendoza

The Catena family has been growing grapes and making wine in Mendoza for more than a century. In the 1980s, Nicolás Catena began a new chapter in the family’s history, exploring the potential of Mendoza wines on the international stage and championing vineyards at increasingly higher elevations.

His pioneering approach helped establish high-altitude viticulture as a defining feature of modern Argentine winemaking. Today, fourth-generation winemaker and managing director Dr. Laura Catena continues this legacy alongside the Catena Institute of Wine, with a strong focus on vineyard research, terroir and the unique influence of Mendoza’s diverse growing conditions.

High-Altitude Malbec

At the heart of Catena Zapata is Malbec, Argentina’s signature grape variety. The winery’s vineyards are located across Mendoza’s high-altitude regions, including the Uco Valley, where intense sunlight, cool nights and distinctive soils create ideal conditions for wines with concentration, freshness and structure.

The Catena family has conducted extensive research into different vineyard sites and Malbec selections, helping to reveal how altitude, climate and soil influence the character of each wine. This site-specific approach remains central to the winery’s philosophy and its pursuit of distinctive Argentine terroir.

Iconic Argentine Wines

Catena Zapata’s portfolio includes some of Argentina’s most recognised wines. Catena Alta Malbec is a benchmark expression of high-altitude Mendoza Malbec, crafted from carefully selected vineyard parcels across the family’s estate.

The winery’s iconic collection also includes Malbec Argentino and Nicolás Catena Zapata, as well as exceptional wines from Adrianna Vineyard, including Mundus Bacillus Terrae, Fortuna Terrae, White Bones Chardonnay and White Stones Chardonnay.

The broader portfolio also encompasses Catena Appellation, Catena and Angélica Zapata, offering a diverse expression of Mendoza’s distinctive vineyards and grape varieties.

Terroir, Research and Innovation

Catena Zapata combines generations of winemaking tradition with scientific research and a deep understanding of Mendoza’s diverse vineyard sites. The Catena Institute of Wine plays an important role in studying altitude, climate, soils and plant material, helping the family continually refine its understanding of Argentine terroir.

From expressive Mendoza Malbec to sophisticated Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Catena Zapata represents the ambition, depth and distinctive character of modern Argentine wine.

Explore our selection of Catena Zapata wines and discover the elegance, power and complexity of high-altitude Mendoza Malbec.