Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec 2021 (Argentina) Rated 100WA

Wine Advocate Review
Rated 100
There is an usual stony austerity in the 2021 Adrianna Vineyard River, cropped from a cold year when the full clusters fermented in concrete with a slightly shorter maceration and an élevage in a 2,000-liter oak foudre and the rest in stainless steel. It has a moderate 13.4% alcohol with very high acidity (8.2!) and a low pH (3.37), incredible parameters of freshness. The wine was closed and took time to take off in the glass, revealing a very elegant and subtle personality, with the silky texture of the very fine tannins, pristine aromas and flavors and a sense of harmony that was moving. It's powerful but extremely elegant in that rare combination of clout and energy, a wine of light, aerial, with some ethereal qualities, delicate and refined. This combines the cool place and high altitude, the cool year and the stony soils, to deliver a stunning Malbec that goes well beyond the variety. Bravo!

Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec 2021

The 2021 Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec from Catena Zapata is a distinguished wine that exemplifies the unique terroir of the Gualtallary district in Mendoza, Argentina.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Floral notes with subtle hints of leather and berries.
• Palate: Elegant character with polished tannins, showcasing flavors of black fruits and a touch of minerality.
• Finish: Long and refined, with a persistent mineral undertone.

Winemaking Details

• Varietal Composition: 100% Malbec.
• Alcohol Content: 13.95% ABV.
• Vineyard: Sourced from the River parcel of the Adrianna Vineyard, situated at an elevation of 4,482 feet (1,366 meters) in the Gualtallary district.
• Soil Composition: Alluvial origin with white stones covered by calcium carbonate, indicative of an ancient riverbed.
• Aging: Aged in 500-liter foudres and concrete vats for up to 16 months.

Serving Suggestions

• Food Pairing: Pairs excellently with grilled meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses.
• Serving Temperature: Best enjoyed at 60–65°F (16–18°C).

This exceptional Malbec reflects Catena Zapata's commitment to producing wines that capture the essence of their high-altitude vineyards, offering a profound expression of the Gualtallary terroir.