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.”

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.