Catena Zapata Ncz

Wine Description: The inaugural 1997 vintage of this Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec blend set a new standard of quality for wines from South America when it won a series of blind tastings against first growths and other prestigious cuvees from around the world. Vinification: 10% whole cluster and 90% whole berry fruit is hand-loaded into 225-500 liter new French oak barrels for a 100% barrel fermentation for a period of 20-30 days allowing seamless oak integration. The fermentation temperature is kept low extracting intense aromas and the cap management is done by hand to ensure soft gentle flavors and tannin extraction. Wild yeasts. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in barrel leaves considerable lees and sediment. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 24 months and an additional 24 months in bottle before release. 210 separate row microvinifications from different lots and harvest times. Vineyards: La Piramide Vineyard: 3 117 ft (950 m). Agrelo District Lujan de Cuy