93pts Vinous

The 2022 Cabernet Franc Appellation San Carlos originates from a massal vineyard planted in the southern Uco Valley. Fermented with 30% whole clusters and aged for up to 13 months in French oak barrels (with approximately one-third of them being new), this garnet wine with a purplish sheen offers aromas of ash, roasted red pepper and cassis, with a subtle leafy undertone. Creamy and juicy, the taut and fine-grained palate lingers with intense flavor. This is a savory Cabernet Franc from San Carlos.

91pts James Suckling

Juicy red cherries, berries and touches of ash, tobacco and white pepper. Juicy and medium-bodied on the palate, with crunchy tannins and a fruity, mouthwatering finish.

Winemaker Notes

The Catena Cabernet Franc Appellation El Cepillo presents a purple color with red ruby tones. The nose offers elegant aromas of spices, and fresh herbs as thyme and rosemary, red berries, cassis and raspberries, with layers of cedar. The mouthfeel is full and rich with cassis, raspberries flavors and notes of black pepper and oregano. The finish is bright and fresh with finely grained tannins.
This versatile wine is fantastic paired with rich meat dishes such as stews and braises, Latin dishes with heat and a little kick such as enchiladas or moles and lamb dishes and tomato based pasta and sauces. Additionally this wine is delicious paired with dark chocolate and berries and also served alongside a cheese plate.

About the Winery

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.