Wine Along The 101
  • Home
  • Articles
    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
Picture
Catena Zapata winery, Courtesy of Catena Zapata
Picture
Laura Catena, Courtesy of Catena Zapata
Malbec is Argentina’s superstar grape, thriving in some of the highest elevation vineyards in the world.  It’s plush flavor profile, fruit forward, with plump dark fruit, violet flowers, cocoa, leather, and a sweet tobacco finish, is enchanting.  But Argentinean producers are redefining Malbec’s potential, discovering that the best sites, although possibly at the edge of successful viticulture, are yielding fascinating wines.  Bodega Catena Zapata is a pioneer in this extreme altitude winegrowing, producing over a dozen Malbec wines, but seven that have zeroed in on the highest Andean terroir.  This wine dynasty of four generations strong has continued to evolve the essence of Malbec and its standing among the iconic wines of the world.
Picture
Adrianna Vineyard, Courtesy of Catena Zapata
Founded in 1902, Argentina’s Bodega Catena Zapata has been a pioneer with Malbec, improving its quality through winegrowing choices, but especially by championing the potential of high altitude vineyards in the Andean foothills of Mendoza.  Starting with Nicola Catena’s immigration from Italy to Argentina in 1898, his intuition that Malbec would do very well there transformed the viticultural landscape.  Domingo, the next generation, accumulated more vineyards, believing as his father that Argentine Malbec would make a very fine wine, rivaling any first-growth Bordeaux.
Picture
Nicolás Catena Zapata, Courtesy of Catena Zapata
Picture
Laura Catena, Courtesy of Catena Zapata
Picture
Laura Catena in Adrianna's Vineyard, Courtesy of Catena Zapata
But it was the third generation, Nicolás Catena Zapata, that focused on producing that spectacular wine.  Inspired by a stint in Napa Valley, he returned to Argentina, determined to move from bulk wine to fine wine.  Planting high altitude vineyards, especially the Adrianna vineyard in the Tupungato that sits at 5,000 feet, he found that the slow ripening and low yields made for unique aromas and flavors, producing elegant and balanced wines.  But unlike the generations before him, he felt that Malbec would blend well with Cabernet Sauvignon to make a world-class wine.  In 1997, he released his Nicolás Catena Zapata cuvée, earning the inaugural vintage “Argentina’s #1 Malbec” from the Wall Street Journal.  Continuing to improve the brand, Nicolas selected the best Malbec vines, known as the “Catena cuttings”, for his new mountainside vineyards in the Uco Valley.  Today, Managing Director and fourth generation vintner Dr. Laura Catena, physician and author, uses her background in science to continue to refine those choices, establishing the Catena Institute of Wine that researches options in vineyard replanting, to ensure that Malbec continues to excel and defy all expectations.
Picture
Earlier this year, a very special tasting event was hosted by Dr. Laura Catena at the Consulate General of Argentina’s LA residence for wine writers and influencers.  Nine wines were poured, three Chardonnay and six Malbec, with an emphasis on those very high altitude vineyards that has defined their wines.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Laura and her younger sister, Adrianna, wanted to tell their family’s story and that of the Malbec grape through a special wine, Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino.  First produced in 2008, this limited wine is made from the best lots of their estate vineyards.  The label depicts four female figures that have shaped Malbec over the past 900 years.  Beginning with Eleanor of Aquitaine, a Queen of France and England in the 1100’s whose love of the wine spread its consumption throughout both kingdoms.  Next, immigrants brought the Malbec grape with them to the New World, and planted vineyards throughout Argentina.  In the late 1800’s, phylloxera, specifically the female louse, burrowed into the roots of grape vines throughout France, which destroyed almost all of the Malbec plantings there.  Interesting footnote, to this day, phylloxera changed France’s viticultural landscape, with Merlot replacing most Malbec vineyards in Southwest France, except for the area of Cahors.  And the fourth female influence, Ana Catena, the great grandmother of Laura and Adrianna, who met her husband, Nicola Catena, onboard the ship while immigrating from Italy to Argentina.  Together, they forged a wine dynasty, and founded Bodega Catena Zapata in 1902 in Mendoza.  This story was enacted in a one-woman play titled “As Wine Flows By”, written by Adrianna’s playwright husband, a very creative way to illustrate the Malbec and Catena family’s intersected journey of wine!
Picture
What was evident, in all the wines I tasted, was the high quality and distinctive flavor profiles.  What makes Malbec grown at higher altitudes so different?  It seems that the higher the vineyard, the cooler the climate, so the hang time is longer, and the sun more intense. The grapes develop thicker skins and more phenolic ripeness, yielding more intense fruit aromas and flavors. The acidity is higher, balancing the vivid fruit, so, as a result, the wines are fresher and have greater aging potential.
Picture
Picture
Picture
My favorites:
​

Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec 2015 - whole cluster and whole berries barrel fermented in new French oak barrels, wild yeasts and malolactic fermentation, aged in barrel for 24 months plus bottle aging for another 24 months before release.  Juicy, ripe, and luscious, with plum and red fruit, violets, and spice, expressive and complex.

Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyards Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec 2016 - fermented in concrete and oak, aged for 18 months in barrel, savory nose and sweet dark fruit and spice palate, well structured, balanced with high acidity and chiseled tannins.

Catena Alta Historic Rows Chardonnay 2017 - a blend of two high altitude vineyards (Adrianna and Domingo), rich and concentrated, yet crisp and mineral, with notes of pear, apple, apricot and citrus, with white floral notes, elegant and aromatic.
Picture
Laura Catena is quoted, “My father’s dream was to make Argentine wines that could stand with the best of the world.”  I think that Bodega Catena Zapata has succeeded in this lofty aspiration, crafting wines that continue to climb to new heights of quality.
Picture
Dr. Catena’s newest book, “Gold In The Vineyards”, is an illustrated collection of stories behind the world’s most famous vineyards, focusing on the story of a wine through the lens of family and terroir, just released in March on Amazon.