Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard 'River' Malbec 2019
Introduction
This red wine originates from Argentina, produced in the Mendoza region within the high-altitude Gualtallary subregion of the Uco Valley. Founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena, Bodega Catena Zapata is Argentina's oldest family-owned winery and is currently managed by fourth-generation vintner Dr. Laura Catena. The winery's philosophy combines traditional winemaking with cutting-edge viticultural science, pioneered by Nicolás Catena Zapata, who was instrumental in discovering extreme high-altitude terroirs in the Andean foothills. The Adrianna Vineyard, often referred to as South America's 'Grand Cru', sits at nearly 5,000 feet above sea level and is renowned for its intense sunlight and limestone-rich soils.
Wine Description
The Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard 'River' Malbec 2019 displays a deep purple to red colour with vibrant violet hues. The nose is intense and nuanced, offering aromas of blackberries, plum, and sour cherry layered with floral scents of violets, lavender, and star anise, alongside hints of wet stones and sandalwood. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied and exceptionally energetic, featuring a compact, lean structure with concentrated black and blue fruit flavours integrated with abundant but very fine, chalky tannins. It is characterized by its remarkable tension, mouth-watering minerality, and a long, persistent finish. This 100% Malbec typically has an ABV of 13.8% to 14% and was aged for 20 months in a combination of new and used French oak barrels and foudres. The winery is a leader in sustainable viticulture and follows the Catena Institute’s sustainability code. The optimal drinking window for this vintage is from 2024 through 2039.
Accolades
James Suckling - 99 points.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 99 points.
Tim Atkin - 95 points.
Vinous - 95 points.
Wine Spectator - 96 points.
Descorchados - 96 points.
Food Pairing
The complex structure and mineral-driven profile of this high-altitude Malbec make it an exceptional partner for high-quality meats and savoury dishes. It pairs perfectly with leaner cuts of grilled red meat, such as sirloin or flank steak, as well as hearty stews and game dishes like venison. The wine's herbal and floral notes also complement dishes prepared with resinous herbs like sage or rosemary and pungent cheeses such as blue cheese or gorgonzola.
Vintage Quality
The 2019 vintage in Mendoza is regarded as exceptional, characterized by a cool and dry growing season that allowed for gradual ripening and healthy fruit. These conditions produced wines with great aromatic precision, healthy acidity, and a rare combination of power and elegance, reflecting the solar energy and untrammelled freshness of the high-mountain desert.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Introduction
This red wine originates from Argentina, produced in the Mendoza region within the high-altitude Gualtallary subregion of the Uco Valley. Founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena, Bodega Catena Zapata is Argentina's oldest family-owned winery and is currently managed by fourth-generation vintner Dr. Laura Catena. The winery's philosophy combines traditional winemaking with cutting-edge viticultural science, pioneered by Nicolás Catena Zapata, who was instrumental in discovering extreme high-altitude terroirs in the Andean foothills. The Adrianna Vineyard, often referred to as South America's 'Grand Cru', sits at nearly 5,000 feet above sea level and is renowned for its intense sunlight and limestone-rich soils.
Wine Description
The Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard 'River' Malbec 2019 displays a deep purple to red colour with vibrant violet hues. The nose is intense and nuanced, offering aromas of blackberries, plum, and sour cherry layered with floral scents of violets, lavender, and star anise, alongside hints of wet stones and sandalwood. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied and exceptionally energetic, featuring a compact, lean structure with concentrated black and blue fruit flavours integrated with abundant but very fine, chalky tannins. It is characterized by its remarkable tension, mouth-watering minerality, and a long, persistent finish. This 100% Malbec typically has an ABV of 13.8% to 14% and was aged for 20 months in a combination of new and used French oak barrels and foudres. The winery is a leader in sustainable viticulture and follows the Catena Institute’s sustainability code. The optimal drinking window for this vintage is from 2024 through 2039.
Accolades
James Suckling - 99 points.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 99 points.
Tim Atkin - 95 points.
Vinous - 95 points.
Wine Spectator - 96 points.
Descorchados - 96 points.
Food Pairing
The complex structure and mineral-driven profile of this high-altitude Malbec make it an exceptional partner for high-quality meats and savoury dishes. It pairs perfectly with leaner cuts of grilled red meat, such as sirloin or flank steak, as well as hearty stews and game dishes like venison. The wine's herbal and floral notes also complement dishes prepared with resinous herbs like sage or rosemary and pungent cheeses such as blue cheese or gorgonzola.
Vintage Quality
The 2019 vintage in Mendoza is regarded as exceptional, characterized by a cool and dry growing season that allowed for gradual ripening and healthy fruit. These conditions produced wines with great aromatic precision, healthy acidity, and a rare combination of power and elegance, reflecting the solar energy and untrammelled freshness of the high-mountain desert.
