Laura Catena’s father took over the family business from his own father, Domingo, in the 1960s, at a time when their ancestors were still producing wines according to traditional Italian methods – the family having fled Italy hit by widespread famine in the early 20th century. Each generation played its part in building Bodega Catena Zapata, now considered one of the most renowned family-run estates in Argentina.
Speaking to us directly, Laura Catena explains, “My great-grandfather already believed that Argentina was one of the best places in the world to make wine, but he thought its winemakers would never be able to compete with the French and their exceptional terroirs. My father disagreed with him, insisting that even Argentine wines deserved a place on French tables.” Time proved him right with Jancis Robinson even stating, “Nicolás Catena Zapata is rightly credited with putting Argentine wines on the world map, focusing relentlessly on driving up quality. It’s fantastic to see that he laid the foundations for a true dynasty of winemakers.” Thorough soil surveys, plot-by-plot and high-altitude cultivations, and a constant re-evaluation and refinement of winemaking techniques are the keys of this estate’s success, now a true symbol of Argentine viticulture. The wines are precise, aromatic and a perfect expression of their often cool climate terroir.