2023 Catena Appellation Cabernet Franc San Carlos Mendoza 750 ml

We can't talk about Argentinian wine without mentioning the stalwarts at Catena Zapata.

The century-old pioneering producer was the first Argentine winery to earn a perfect score from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, and has been named New World Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast as well as Winery of the Year by Wine & Spirits Magazine. Their 2023 Catena Appellation Cabernet Franc San Carlos Mendoza is a stunning expression of this noble variety from one of Mendoza's most distinguished subregions.

Much of what makes Mendoza great for Malbec makes it exceptional for Cabernet Franc. Dry as a bone and watered by the mountain rivers that course through it, the grapes here are grown at high elevations. These extreme elevations—some of the highest in the world—means tons of exposure to UV light, while the rocky Andean soil is dry and free-draining—perfect for vines that produce powerfully concentrated grapes. Cabernet Franc thrives in these conditions, developing the aromatic complexity and elegant structure that have made it a rising star in Argentina's wine scene.

The San Carlos appellation, nestled in the Uco Valley, represents some of the most exciting terrain in Mendoza. This 2023 bottling is blended from three historic districts within San Carlos: El Cepillo, La Consulta, and Paraje Altamira, which all benefit from cool temperatures and dramatic diurnal shifts, allowing Cabernet Franc to retain its characteristic freshness while achieving full phenolic ripeness.

Under the direction of 100-point winemaker Alejandro Vigil, Catena Zapata continues to push the boundaries of what Argentine wine can achieve. Vigil's meticulous attention to vineyard selection and his understanding of high-altitude viticulture have earned him recognition as one of South America's most talented winemakers, bringing both precision and passion to every bottling.

The 2023 vintage marks another exceptional year for Catena Zapata, and this Cabernet Franc captures the precision and elegance that high-altitude Argentine viticulture can achieve. It's a testament to the winery's century of experience and their continued innovation in understanding Mendoza's microclimates.