Catena Zapata River Malbec 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Adrianna Vineyard is situated in the Gualtallary district within Mendoza’s Uco Valley, known for its extreme altitudes and stony, well-drained soils. The River sector of Adrianna, specifically planted in the path of a former river, is distinguished by soils rich in limestone-covered stones, providing exceptional drainage and moderating temperature fluctuations. This unique soil composition amplifies the Malbec’s aromatics and concentration, resulting in a wine that is both lush and mineral-driven.

Founded in 1992, the Adrianna Vineyard sits at 4,500 feet and represents Nicolás Catena’s vision of high-altitude viticulture. The cool temperatures at this elevation maintain the wine’s natural acidity and polyphenol levels, while intense sunlight strengthens the tannins, creating wines with remarkable complexity and aging potential. The Catena Institute of Wine has extensively studied this vineyard, establishing it as one of the most documented vineyards in the world.

Winemaking

Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec is produced through a careful process emphasizing the wine’s natural fruit character and terroir expression. Harvested in the third week of April, the grapes undergo cold maceration before a 17-day fermentation in barrels with gentle punchdowns. The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation to soften its acidity and is then aged in 500-liter French oak barriques and barrels for two years, followed by an additional two years of bottle aging to enhance integration and complexity.

The wine has an alcohol content of 14%, a pH level of 3.6, and an acidity of 6.9 g/L, balancing freshness with depth and structure.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep purple with garnet hues, reflecting its intensity and concentration.
• Aroma: Highly aromatic, with notes of floral, dark berry fruits and underlying mineral tones that reflect its limestone-rich terroir.
• Palate: Rich and luxurious, with smooth tannins, flavors of blackberry, plum, and a touch of spice. The finish is lengthy, with a remarkable freshness that promises both immediate pleasure and potential for aging.

Did you know?

The River sector of Adrianna Vineyard is located on what was once the path of a riverbed, which left behind stony, limestone-covered soils. This unique terroir is not only optimal for drainage but also contributes to the wine’s mineral intensity and aromatic complexity. Each Adrianna Vineyard wine is crafted to express the specific attributes of its parcel, making the River Malbec a pure reflection of Mendoza’s terroir and Catena’s dedication to high-altitude viticulture.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Argentinian Lamb with Rosemary: The wine’s richness and minerality pair beautifully with the earthy flavors of grilled lamb, while its tannins enhance the savory notes.
• Wild Mushroom and Herb Risotto: The earthy mushrooms complement the wine’s mineral notes, while its acidity balances the creaminess of the risotto.
• Roasted Quail with Figs: The wine’s dark fruit flavors and length harmonize with the sweetness of figs, enhancing the quail’s delicate meat.
• Aged Manchego Cheese: The nutty, intense flavors of Manchego match the wine’s depth and structure, creating a balanced and complex pairing.

History of Catena Zapata Estate

Founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena, Catena Zapata has been a family-owned winery for over a century. The estate saw significant evolution under the leadership of Nicola’s grandson, Nicolás Catena Zapata, who joined the family business in the early 1980s.

Nicolás Catena's vision was instrumental in transforming the Argentinian wine industry. His focus on high-altitude viticulture, particularly in the Andean foothills, has been a key factor in achieving the unique expression of Mendoza's wines.

Nicolás Catena’s daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, a Harvard and Stanford-trained biologist and physician, joined the winery in the 1990s. She has continued her father's legacy, emphasizing scientific research and sustainable practices. Under her guidance, Catena Zapata has been at the forefront of vineyard research, studying the effects of altitude, climate, and soil on wine quality.

Region and Vineyards

Catena Zapata is located in the Mendoza region, specifically in the sub-regions of Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. The vineyards are planted at elevations ranging from 920 meters (3,020 feet) to 1,450 meters (4,757 feet) above sea level. The high-altitude vineyards provide a unique microclimate with significant diurnal temperature variations, which contribute to the grapes' complex flavors and balanced acidity.

The estate’s top vineyards include:

• Adrianna Vineyard: Located at 1,450 meters, this is one of the highest vineyards in Mendoza and is renowned for producing exceptional Chardonnay and Malbec.
• Nicasia Vineyard: Situated at 1,095 meters in the Altamira district of the Uco Valley, known for its Malbec and Cabernet Franc.
• La Pirámide Vineyard: Found at 950 meters in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, this vineyard is celebrated for its Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Range

Catena Zapata offers a diverse range of wines, showcasing the rich variety of Mendoza’s terroir. The portfolio includes:

• Catena Alta: High-quality varietal wines representing the best of the estate's vineyards.
• Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard: Single-vineyard wines from the prestigious Adrianna Vineyard, including the iconic "White Bones" and "White Stones" Chardonnay.
• Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino: A flagship Malbec that exemplifies the winery’s dedication to high-altitude viticulture.
• Nicolás Catena Zapata: The winery’s flagship Bordeaux-style blend, which has gained international acclaim.

Did you know?

Catena Zapata was the first winery in Argentina to receive a 100-point score from a major wine publication, awarded by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate for the 2016 Adrianna Vineyard "River" Malbec.