Argentina in general produces good value wines. Most of the producers are very drinkable however one of the top, if not the top wineries in Argentina is Catena Zapata. At the under $25.00 range they are delivering and if you have not tried their upper end wines I highly recommend you do.
Hoyt Hill at Sunfish Cellars has been doing Zoom Tastings with great wineries and figures of the wine world since last Spring. This tasting is a very affordable way to discover wines of Argentina. Dr. Laura Catena owner of this amazing winery will be speaking about 3 great wines and giving a history of the Bodega.
Here is the line for this tasting on Thursday, February 11.
2018 Catena Zapata Catena Chardonnay Appellation Tupungato, $17.99
This comes from two vineyards in Tupungato: one in Villa Bastías and one in Gualtallary. The full clusters were pressed and 80% of the juice fermented in stainless steel while the rest was in oak barrels, then the full volume matured in used French oak barrels for nine months. It has a note of popcorn, a smoky and spicy whiff, and a balanced palate where the acidity is very integrated, fresh but with some density. It’s varietal and approachable.
Purchase the Chardonnay here:
2017 Catena Zapata Catena Cabernet Franc Appellation San Carlos, $19.99
This is from a warmer and slightly riper year and the wine shows softer and riper. It matured in 100% French oak barrels before it was bottled in 2018.
Purchase the Cabernet Franc here:
2018 Catena Zapata Catena Malbec “la Consulta”, $19.99
The very primary and fruit-driven 2018 Appellation La Consulta Malbec reveals a very varietal personality – juicy, with some of the chalky texture of the stony soils. Easy to enjoy.