Argentina’s Wine Revolution: From Malbec to Cabernet Franc

For decades, Argentina has been synonymous with Malbec—a grape that has found its finest expression in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza. However, the evolution of Argentina’s wine industry has revealed an exciting diversity beyond Malbec, with producers now embracing other varietals that thrive in this unique terroir. One such rising star is Cabernet Franc, a grape that has long been overshadowed by its more famous Bordeaux counterparts but is now carving out its place among Argentina’s finest wines.

Two wineries, in particular, stand at the forefront of this Argentine wine revolution: Catena Zapata, the pioneering family that put Malbec on the global map, and Fabre Montmayou, a boutique winery founded by a Bordeaux-born visionary who is crafting some of the country’s most elegant Cabernet Francs.

This post dives deep into the Catena family’s legacy, the rise of Cabernet Franc, and how Fabre Montmayou is redefining Argentine winemaking, proving that Argentina’s story is far from one-dimensional.

Catena Zapata: The Family That Defined Malbec

Argentina’s winemaking history changed forever in 1902, when Nicola Catena, an Italian immigrant, planted his first Malbec vines in Mendoza. While Argentina had been producing wine for centuries, it was largely consumed domestically, with little international recognition. That all changed when Dr. Nicolás Catena Zapata, Nicola’s grandson, took a bold approach in the 1980s and began exploring the high-altitude vineyards of the Andes, believing that Malbec could achieve greatness beyond what was previously thought possible.

Inspired by Napa Valley’s success, Nicolás Catena introduced modern winemaking techniques, focusing on vineyard selection, low yields, and high-altitude viticulture. His vision ultimately led to Malbec becoming Argentina’s flagship varietal, with Catena Zapata producing some of the country’s most iconic wines.

The Power of High-Altitude Vineyards

One of the key innovations of Catena Zapata was its emphasis on terroir-driven winemaking. The family pioneered the study of high-altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley, proving that Malbec thrives in extreme conditions.

• Adrianna Vineyard, located at nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, has become one of South America’s most celebrated vineyard sites. Its wines, including the legendary Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Malbec, showcase unparalleled intensity, minerality, and aging potential.
• Other vineyards, such as Angélica Vineyard, contribute to blends like the Catena Alta Malbec, a wine that consistently ranks among the world’s best.

Through meticulous research at the Catena Institute of Wine, the family has not only secured Malbec’s place in the world of fine wine but also pushed the boundaries of viticulture, exploring the effects of climate, soil, and altitude on wine expression.

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Beyond Malbec: The Rise of Cabernet Franc in Argentina

While Malbec remains Argentina’s flagship, another grape has been quietly gaining momentum: Cabernet Franc. Traditionally used as a blending grape in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc has proven to be remarkably well-suited to Argentina’s high-altitude vineyards, offering a fresh, aromatic alternative to the country’s bolder reds.

One of the most exciting expressions of this grape comes from Fabre Montmayou, a boutique winery founded by Hervé Joyaux Fabre, a Bordeaux-born winemaker who fell in love with Mendoza’s old-vine potential.

Fabre Montmayou: French Elegance Meets Argentine Terroir

In the early 1990s, when Hervé Joyaux Fabre arrived in Argentina, he saw something others had overlooked: a land filled with old, ungrafted vines capable of producing wines with exceptional character. He purchased vineyards in Luján de Cuyo, an area known for its ideal growing conditions, and established Fabre Montmayou, blending French winemaking tradition with Argentina’s natural strengths.

His approach to Cabernet Franc has been particularly groundbreaking. While Malbec dominates the region, Cabernet Franc is emerging as one of Argentina’s most refined varietals, and the Fabre Montmayou Cabernet Franc 2022 is a perfect example of its potential.

Fabre Montmayou Cabernet Franc 2022: A Game-Changer for Argentine Reds

Sourced from carefully selected vineyards in Luján de Cuyo, the 2022 vintage of Fabre Montmayou Cabernet Franc is a masterclass in elegance and complexity.

• Aromatics – Expressive and layered, with notes of blackberry, cassis, and green pepper, a signature characteristic of Cabernet Franc.
• Palate – A seamless balance between ripe black fruits, tobacco, and graphite, with silky tannins and a fresh acidity that keeps the wine vibrant.
• Structure – Aged in French oak, the wine gains depth without losing its bright, herbaceous core.
• Finish – Long and persistent, with hints of dark chocolate, spices, and a minerally freshness.

This wine is a prime example of how Argentina is expanding beyond Malbec, offering wine lovers a different expression of its terroir—one that is elegant, structured, and age-worthy.

Why Cabernet Franc Matters in Argentina’s Future

While Malbec remains Argentina’s signature red, Cabernet Franc is gaining recognition for its finesse, acidity, and food-friendly nature. It provides an exciting contrast to the more opulent Malbec, offering:

• More aromatic complexity – With floral, herbal, and peppery notes, Cabernet Franc brings a lighter, more lifted profile compared to Malbec.
• A balance of ripeness and freshness – Unlike in Bordeaux, where it can be green and austere, in Mendoza, Cabernet Franc achieves full ripeness while maintaining bright acidity.
• Age-worthiness – The structured tannins and vibrant acidity allow for long-term cellaring, much like top examples from France and California.

Producers like Fabre Montmayou are proving that Cabernet Franc is not just a trend—it’s an essential part of Argentina’s future.

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Argentina’s Wine Evolution Continues

The Catena Family revolutionized Argentina’s wine scene by proving that Malbec could stand among the world’s greatest wines. Their work in high-altitude viticulture and terroir-driven winemaking has shaped the identity of Argentine wine for the past three decades.

At the same time, a new generation of winemakers, led by Hervé Joyaux Fabre and others, is expanding that legacy, showcasing the elegance and potential of Cabernet Franc. Wines like Fabre Montmayou Cabernet Franc 2022 are redefining expectations, proving that Argentina’s best wines are yet to come.

For wine lovers looking to explore beyond Malbec, now is the time to discover the depth and diversity of Argentine wine, from the legendary vineyards of Catena Zapata to the bold innovations of Fabre Montmayou.

Cheers to the next chapter in Argentina’s wine story!