Bodega Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec 2021

Bodega Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec 2021

Name: Bodega Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec 2021
Brand: Catena Zapata
SKU: BCZAVRM21
Price: 386.00 NZD
Availability: InStock

$386.00

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The Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec 2021 is a striking expression of terroir, coming from a unique parcel of the Adrianna Vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina. This small plot, located at an elevation of 4,482 feet in the Gualtallary District of the Tupungato Alto region, is entirely covered by oval white stones that were deposited by an ancient riverbed. The stones create optimal drainage while absorbing heat during the day and moderating the cooling effects of the night. The stony soil contributes to the wine's signature aromatics, creating a rich, luxurious Malbec that is both floral and exuberant in character. This wine beautifully combines the unique elements of the soil with Malbec’s intense fruitiness, delivering a wine that is both approachable young and perfect for aging.

The 2021 vintage of River Malbec was crafted using meticulous techniques, including cold maceration with 50% whole clusters and fermentation with wild yeasts. The wine was then aged for 18-21 months in French oak barrels. The result is a wine with a deep, complex profile, boasting floral aromas, smooth tannins, and a lengthy, harmonious finish. With its bold character and structural complexity, River Malbec offers a glimpse into the unique terroir of the Adrianna Vineyard and is a wine that will evolve beautifully with time.

Maker

Catena Zapata

Varietal

Malbec

Country

Argentina

Region

Mendoza, UCO Valley

Vintage

2021

ABV

13.9%

Bottle size

750ml

The Vineyard | Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard

Nicolás Catena Zapata planted the Adrianna vineyard in Gualtallary with a single goal in mind: to find the coolest location for growing vines in Mendoza. Originally, viticulturists feared that Bordeaux varieties such as Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon would not ripen in Adrianna. In terms of the Winkler classification, a method developed in California to add degrees and categorise regions according to their climate, the weather at Adrianna is between zone 1 and zone 2 depending on the year, putting it between Burgundy and a very cool part of Bordeaux. Even so, no French woman would dare to plant Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec in Burgundy.

Yet that is exactly what the Catenas did in the high-altitude soils of Adrianna. Nicolás planted the Adrianna Vineyard with Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay cuttings from France, and with Malbec taken from Lot 18 of his 75-year-old Angélica vineyard. Over the next few years the wines consistently proved to have more minerality and more acidity than wines from other sites in the Southern Uco Valley at lower altitudes—sites such as Altamira, La Consulta and Eugenio Bustos. The Adrianna Malbecs have more grip and denser tannins.

For over four generations, the Catena family has grown vines in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Mendoza, Argentina. In his pursuit to make wines that stand with the best in the world, Nicolás Catena identified the best lots, and rows, in the Catena family’s estate vineyards. The Adrianna vineyard is located at almost 1500m elevation in the Gualtallary sub-district of the Tupungato region of Uco Valley Mendoza. At this extreme high altitude, the nights are cool, only a few degrees above freezing even in the summer. The night-day temperature difference is between 15 and 20 degrees. And the sunlight is more intense because of the altitude.

The rocky soil enables deep root growth and allows for ideal drainage conditions. These are very poor soils where the vines are constantly in conditions of stress. The cool nights allow for very slow ripening, optimal acid retention and low yields.

Tasting notes

NOSE
Floral, Fruity & Complex

A highly expressive nose, bursting with floral aromas of violet and rose petals. These are layered with intense black fruit notes of blackberry, plum, and black cherry, complemented by hints of pepper, sandalwood, and a touch of violet pastille. The influence of the river stones and the soil's mineral content gives a complex earthy undertone, enhancing the wine's depth.

PALATE
SIlky, Rich & Harmonious

On the palate, this wine reveals a rich texture and well-structured body. Black fruit flavours dominate, with dark plum, blackberry, and black cherry enveloped by a seamless, velvety mouthfeel. Subtle notes of spice, chocolate, and sandalwood add complexity, while the wine’s smooth tannins provide excellent structure and length. The acidity is perfectly balanced, keeping the wine fresh and vibrant despite its richness.

FINISH
Lengthy, Smooth & Elegant

The finish is long and refined, with lingering notes of dark fruit, mineral undertones, and a hint of tobacco. The wine’s smooth tannins provide a well-rounded, elegant structure, while its acidity ensures a refreshing conclusion. A true reflection of the Adrianna Vineyard’s terroir, the wine has an exceptional ability to age gracefully, allowing its complexity to evolve further over time.

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