Catena Zapata Alamos Bonarda 2019

Cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving.

The Catena family are virtually considered royalty on Argentina’s winemaking scene thanks to Nicolas Catena Zapata and his daughter Laura who have helped put the country on the map for top quality Malbec. The family have been making wine in Mendoza since 1902, with the estate now run by Laura Catena who represents the fourth generation.

As well as their visionary work with the Malbec grape, the family have also worked extensively with Bonarda. This grape is still little-known outside of Argentina but offers huge potential thanks to its easy-going nature and luscious fruit flavours. Catena Zapata sources fruit for their Alamos wines from high altitude sites in Mendoza where the cool nights and hot, sunny days produce grapes with ripe flavours and plenty of freshness and aromatics.

Once in the winery the fruit is fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve varietal typicity and the young wine is aged in French and American oak barrels for 9 months. The nose is bursting with ripe red cherry, plum and raspberry notes while the first sip reveals plenty of rich fruit, firm tannins and a well-rounded texture. The freshness and juicy fruit make this a great match for tomato-based dishes like pasta and pizza, as well as roasted duck, charcuterie and barbecued meats.