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Description

Discover the essence of high-altitude viticulture with the 2021 Angélica Zapata Malbec Alta, a masterful expression of the Mendoza region from the iconic Bodegas Catena Zapata. This wine is a deliberate assemblage of fruit sourced from historic rows within the family’s most prestigious vineyards, including Angélica, La Pirámide, Nicasia, and the legendary Adrianna Vineyard, located at altitudes ranging from 920 to over 1,400 meters. This unique approach allows the winery to capture a diverse range of soil profiles—from alluvial loams to rocky, limestone-rich beds—resulting in a wine of profound complexity, elegance, and balance.

The 2021 vintage benefited from a slightly cooler-than-average growing season, which has gifted this Malbec with remarkable concentration, vibrant acidity, and polished, supple tannins. Upon opening, the wine unfolds with an intensely fragrant bouquet of ripe blackberries, dark plums, and the signature floral lift of violets, underpinned by nuances of dark chocolate, coffee, and fine baking spices from its 18-month aging process in French oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet refined; the velvety texture carries layers of dark forest fruits that transition seamlessly into a long, savory, and mineral-driven finish.

Why this wine? It represents the pinnacle of Argentine winemaking—a wine that bridges the gap between everyday drinkability and serious, age-worthy pedigree. It is a perfect companion for a traditional asado (barbecue). Serve it alongside a perfectly grilled ribeye steak or lamb chops seasoned with sea salt and black pepper to allow the meat's savory fat to complement the wine's structured tannins. It also pairs beautifully with mushroom risotto or aged hard cheeses. Whether you are looking to surprise a seasoned connoisseur or simply elevate a dinner with friends, the Angélica Zapata Malbec Alta is a benchmark bottle that consistently delivers excellence in every glass.