A polished, high-altitude Malbec from Argentina’s flagship producer, showing the poise of a fine 2010 vintage.
At a Glance
| Producer | Bodega Catena Zapata |
| Wine | Angelica Zapata Malbec Alta |
| Vintage | 2010 |
| Type | Red |
| Grapes | Malbec |
| Region | Mendoza, Argentina |
| Appellation | Mendoza |
| Drinking window | Drink now through 2028 |
| Serve at | 16-18°C |
About This Wine
The Angelica Zapata Malbec Alta is Catena Zapata’s showcase varietal Malbec, sourced from a blend of family-owned high-altitude vineyards across Mendoza. Named after Nicolás Catena’s mother, this cuvée sits above the entry Catena tier and just below the more famous Nicolás Catena Zapata and single-vineyard bottlings.
The 2010 vintage in Mendoza was widely considered outstanding — a cool, balanced growing season that produced structured, aromatic reds with excellent ageing potential. This bottle, now well into its second decade, should be showing tertiary complexity while retaining Malbec’s signature dark-fruit core.
Expect a wine that bridges the muscular Argentine style with a more refined, Bordeaux-influenced philosophy that the Catena family has championed for decades.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep garnet with brick-red edges showing bottle age.
Nose: Blackberry compote, dried violets, sweet tobacco, cocoa, leather and a savoury hint of dried herbs and forest floor.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with mellowed, silky tannins; ripe black plum, cassis, mocha and cedar layered over a graphite mineral core. Oak has integrated beautifully.
Finish: Long, savoury and elegant, with lingering dark chocolate, dried fig and a whisper of spice.
Rating
The Vintage
2010 was a cool, dry and later-than-average vintage in Mendoza, producing wines with excellent balance, firm structure and long ageing potential — widely regarded as one of the best modern Argentine vintages.
Food Pairings
- Grilled Argentine ribeye with chimichurri — classic Malbec pairing
- Braised lamb shoulder with rosemary and roasted root vegetables
- Aged hard cheeses like Reggiano or a sharp Manchego
Serving & Cellaring
Decant for 30-45 minutes to blow off any bottle-age reduction and let the aromatics open.
At 15 years old this is at or near peak; store any remaining bottles on their side at 12-14°C and drink within the next 3-4 years.
The Winery
Bodega Catena Zapata is Argentina’s most iconic winery, founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena and now led by fourth-generation Laura Catena alongside her father Nicolás Catena Zapata, who pioneered high-altitude viticulture in Mendoza. The Angelica Zapata line, named after Nicolás’s mother, sits above the base Catena tier and showcases the estate’s mastery of terroir-driven, single-varietal wines from vineyards in Agrelo, Vista Flores, La Consulta and Altamira. Their striking Mayan pyramid-shaped winery in Agrelo is a symbol of Argentine wine’s rise to global recognition.
