Bodega Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae Malbec 2020
Nicolás Catena Zapata, a visionary in the world of wine, had a singular goal when he planted the Adrianna vineyard in Gualtallary, Mendoza to discover the coolest location for vine cultivation in the region. At that time, viticulturists held reservations about whether Bordeaux varieties like Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon could fully ripen in Adrianna's unique climate. Using the Winkler classification, a method developed in California to assess climate, it was determined that the weather at Adrianna fell between zone 1 and zone 2, akin to the climates of Burgundy and certain very cool parts of Bordeaux. Traditionally, planting Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec in Burgundy would have been unthinkable. However, the Catenas, undeterred by convention, defied expectations by planting these varietals in the high-altitude soils of Adrianna.
Nicolás Catena Zapata personally planted Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay cuttings from France, along with Malbec sourced from Lot 18 of his 75-year-old Angélica vineyard, in the Adrianna Vineyard. Over the following years, the wines produced from this site consistently showcased pronounced minerality and acidity, setting them apart from those sourced from lower-altitude sites like Altamira, La Consulta, and Eugenio Bustos in the Southern Uco Valley. Fortuna Terrae, which translates to "luck of the land" in Latin, aptly describes the wines born from this segment of the Adrianna Vineyard. The deep loamy soils teem with diverse native grasses, which not only prevent erosion but also attract beneficial insects, melodious birds and majestic mountain foxes.
The Bodega Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae Malbec 2020 is a wine that showcases the remarkable freshness imparted by the combination of deep soils and high altitude. This results in a wine with optimal acidity and delicate floral aromas. On the palate, this Malbec reveals a complex tapestry of flavours that will continue to evolve and develop over time. To fully appreciate the exquisite nuances of Fortuna Terrae, it is recommended to allow the wine to age gracefully for several years or even decades after harvest. This careful aging process unveils the full potential of the wine, delivering a truly memorable tasting experience.
Blackberries, dark plums, dried earth, tar, paprika, lavender and bark on the nose. Medium-bodied, dark fruited and cool with very fine, velvety tannins. So supple, youthful and perfumed with lovely purity of fruit. Long, silky finish. - James Suckling, 98 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Malbec
Country - Argentina
Region - Mendoza
Vintage - 2020
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%