Catena Zapata Birth of Cabernet 2021

Catena Zapata makes Birth of Cabernet from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in the Uco Valley, the highest and coolest sub-region of Mendoza in the Andean foothills. Altitude is the defining factor here: the thin mountain air and strong sunlight ripen the grapes fully, while cold nights preserve acidity and slow ripening to fix colour and aromatic detail. The wide diurnal swing builds firm but ripe tannins and keeps the fruit fresh despite the warm days. The two Cabernets are aged twenty-four months in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange polishes the tannins and layers in cedar, spice and cocoa around the fruit. The colour is deep and dark. The nose leads with blackcurrant, plum and cherry, with Cabernet Franc lifting red currant and a leafy, peppery edge over oak-derived cocoa and tobacco. The palate is full and structured, the altitude acidity carrying ripe black fruit across a firm, fine-grained tannic frame to a long, savoury finish. Serve at 17 to 18C, decanting an hour ahead; it suits grilled and roasted red meats and aged cheese.