Winemaker Notes
At 940 m (3,100') elevation, the Agrelo Vineyard enjoys warm sunny days that allow for full and even ripening, and cool nights that allow for an excellent balance between acidity and sugar. All year round the vineyard is managed with the latest pruning and trellising techniques. Vertical trellising, pre-harvest cluster removal, vine to vine canopy management and controlled irrigation are used at the Agrelo Vineyard to grow Chardonnay fruit with opulent flavors.
Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina's high altitude Malbec pioneers. The Catena family began making wine in Mendoza in 1902. Nicolas Catena, third generation family vintner, was one of the first to see the potential of Mendoza's mountain vineyards for producing high quality Malbec. In 1994, he became the first Argentine to exprot a world-class bottling of Malbec under the Catena label. Nicolas is joined by his daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, in their relentless pursuit of world-class quality from the family's high altitude vineyards. Laura has done extensive work in introducing Malbec and other varietal plant selections, soil and climate analysis, and sustainable practices throughout Mendoza. Head winemaker, Alejandro Vigil, has been at Catena Zapata since 2002 and works with Laura and Nicolas to make wines that express the family's vineyards and palate.