Catena Zapata | 屈臣氏酒窖

50 BEST VINEYARDS names CATENA ZAPATA

Number 1 Vineyard in the World

On July 12th, Catena Zapata was voted number one in the world at the World’s Best Vineyards 2023 award ceremony for over 125 VIPs held in La Rioja, Spain. The extensive list highlights a diverse selection of the world’s finest vineyards to visit across the globe.

The story of Catena

The story of Catena is more or less the story of Argentine wine. Founded in 1902, Catena Zapata is the oldest Argentine family winery still in family hands and is known for its pioneering role in reinventing Malbec. The Catena Zapata family holds more 100-point wine ratings than any other winery in South America, and its Adrianna Vineyard, at 5,000 feet elevation, is recognized as South America’s ‘Grand Cru’ Vineyard. This year, Catena Zapata opened its first restaurant, Angélica - Cocina Maestra, located right in La Pirámide vineyard, in the Agrelo district. The ‘wine-first’ restaurant starts at a gallery leading into the underground distillery and continues with a visit to the tower, with views of the vineyards and Mayan-inspired pyramid-shaped winery. The design recreates a traditional Italian borgo village and pays homage to the Catena family’s Italian roots. Rather than focusing on food, diners choose from one of five wine flights encompassing Catena Zapata’s portfolio of exquisite wines and receive local and seasonal food that pairs best with those wines, most sourced from organic vegetable garden next to the restaurant.

Dr. Laura Catena, fourth generation vintner and managing director of Catena Zapata, received the award. Tim Atkin MW was the host of the ceremony and said about the family winery: “Bodega Catena Zapata is a driving force in Argentine winemaking. A winery that played a pivotal role in resurrecting Malbec's fortunes, pushing Mendoza's vineyards higher into the Andean foothills, and delving deeply into the country's many terroirs. The family even founded the Catena Institute of Wine to scientifically examine every aspect of the local soils, rocks and microorganisms and their effect on the vines.”

The story of Catena

The story of Catena is more or less the story of Argentine wine. Founded in 1902, Catena Zapata is the oldest Argentine family winery still in family hands and is known for its pioneering role in reinventing Malbec. The Catena Zapata family holds more 100-point wine ratings than any other winery in South America, and its Adrianna Vineyard, at 5,000 feet elevation, is recognized as South America’s ‘Grand Cru’ Vineyard. This year, Catena Zapata opened its first restaurant, Angélica - Cocina Maestra, located right in La Pirámide vineyard, in the Agrelo district. The ‘wine-first’ restaurant starts at a gallery leading into the underground distillery and continues with a visit to the tower, with views of the vineyards and Mayan-inspired pyramid-shaped winery. The design recreates a traditional Italian borgo village and pays homage to the Catena family’s Italian roots. Rather than focusing on food, diners choose from one of five wine flights encompassing Catena Zapata’s portfolio of exquisite wines and receive local and seasonal food that pairs best with those wines, most sourced from organic vegetable garden next to the restaurant.

Dr. Laura Catena, fourth generation vintner and managing director of Catena Zapata, received the award. Tim Atkin MW was the host of the ceremony and said about the family winery: “Bodega Catena Zapata is a driving force in Argentine winemaking. A winery that played a pivotal role in resurrecting Malbec's fortunes, pushing Mendoza's vineyards higher into the Andean foothills, and delving deeply into the country's many terroirs. The family even founded the Catena Institute of Wine to scientifically examine every aspect of the local soils, rocks and microorganisms and their effect on the vines.”

Malbec Mon Amour

Laura Catena and Alejandro Vigil released their book “Malbec Mon Amour” in December 2021. The book tells the story about Argentina’s signature red grape. Reviewed by The New York Times, it is the first time a wine book becomes a best seller in Argentina. “Malbec Mon Amour” has already sold 10.000 copies and is printing its second edition.

Lifetime Achievment:

Dr. Nicolás Catena Zapata was the First South American Vintner to receive Wine Enthusiast’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 22nd Annual Wine Star Awards held in Miami the past February. This prestigious industry event recognizes individuals and companies for their exceptional contributions to the success of the wine and beverage alcohol industry.

Lifetime Achievment:

Dr. Nicolás Catena Zapata was the First South American Vintner to receive Wine Enthusiast’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 22nd Annual Wine Star Awards held in Miami the past February. This prestigious industry event recognizes individuals and companies for their exceptional contributions to the success of the wine and beverage alcohol industry.

The N°1 World's Most Admired Wine Brand

On April 1st, Drinks International announced that Catena Zapata was voted The World's Most Admired Wine Brand of 2020 by a group of wine industry experts from 48 different countries. The survey was conducted in association with Wine Intelligence. Previous winners include Torres, Penfolds, and Concha y Toro. The announcement, scheduled to be at ProWein Fair, was cancelled due to the spread of COVID-19. At a time when health is of the utmost priority, Catena Zapata connected via Zoom with customers and colleagues to offer encouragement to those in quarantine and propose a virtual toast to their health and to better times. Dr. Laura Catena, the winery's fourth generation says: "This award goes to all the great people who have worked at our family winery since 1902, to our region's beautiful vineyards, and to our fellow wine drinkers around the world.