Catena is unquestionably one of the most important wineries in South America. They are why people drink Malbec today.

In 1902, Nicola Catena, an Italian immigrant, planted his first vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina. The winery has remained under family control now in its fourth generation and is one of the few family-owned wine companies in Argentina that remains in Argentine hands. Owned today by Nicols Catena and his daughter Laura, Catena Zapata is known as the pioneer of fine wine from Argentina, and Nicols is recognized as the vintner who revolutionized wine quality in Argentina. A trained economist, Nicols began this revolution in the early 1980s and continues to challenge himself and his team to make wines that can be counted among the best in the world. His measured approach to viticulture has taken its place in wine history as the pioneer of Malbec and high-altitude viticulture.

Catena wines, first launched in 1992, set a new standard for quality in South America. The wines immediately proved the quality potential of Argentina and garnered the first outstanding reviews for Argentine wines from worldwide media. After more than 20 years, the wines of Catena continue to lead the way in Argentine viticulture and winemaking. The family and the winerys employees take great pride in carrying on the tradition that began over a century ago.

Dr Laura Catena Zapata is one of the most incredible people in the world of wine today. She is theManaging Directorof Catena Zapata and is the founder and board member of the research focusedCatena Institute of Wine. She is a vintner, physician, and author, and has been called “the face of Argentine wine” for her active role in studying and promoting the Mendoza wine region and Argentine Malbec. Laura’s life obsession is to learn more about high altitude viticulture, the vineyard soil microbiome and wine ageability.

“This is a dense and refined red with a minerality underneath. Full body, firm and silky with pretty blue fruit and light salt undertones. Shows tension and structure. 93 pts.” — James Suckling