2016 Bodegas Catena Zapata Adrianna Mundus Bacillus Terrae
| Type of Wine | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Region | Mendoza |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Grape | |
| Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (14%) |
| Drink window | 2021 - 2037 |
Description
The famed Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary is perhaps the most studied vineyard in the world and is considered by many to be Catena's best vineyard for malbec.
Studies are now underway on soil composition and depth and the impact on quality. Soil life is also studied, with a focus on unique bacteria that promote water absorption. The vineyard is located at a respectable altitude of no less than 1480 meters
Of particular interest is Catena's research on the 'terroir' - the implications of which extend far beyond Argentina and their own wines. For example, they have found that the microbiology of the soil determines the absorption capacity of the vines and that certain yeasts are responsible for this. They have a (very small) plot in the Adrianna vineyard where this yeast is located in the soil and since 2011 a high-end Adrianna has been produced under the name: Adrianna Mundus Bacillus Terrae. Only in this part (height and plot) can the Malbec vine absorb the optimal amount of nutrients, which ensures that this absolute grand cru among the Adriannas is remarkably expressive and distinctive. The wine is very structured with lots of tannins and very nice acidity. It has tremendous concentration but is not heavy at all. A long and powerful mineral wine with earthy and floral notes. This is an incredibly beautiful Adrianna and we are very proud to be able to offer this version.
Bodega Catena Zapata is considered the flagship of Argentina's wineries. Robert Parker's statement says a lot: 'when all is said and done, Catena Zapata is the Argentina winery of reference, the standard of excellence'.
97/100 Parker
Specifications
| Type of Wine | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | Mendoza |
| Winery | Catena Zapata |
| Grape | Malbec |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Drinking as of | 2021 |
| Drinking till | 2037 |
| Alcohol % | 14 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 97 |
| Vinous rating | 97 |
| Tasting Profiles | Complex, Dry, Aged on wood, Powerful, Red fruit, Tannines, Full |
| Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe |
Wijnhuis
The leading house Catena Zapata has been active in Argentinian viticulture for 4 generations. Bodega Catena Zapata was founded by Nicola Catena who left Italy by sailing ship to Argentina in 1898. He eventually ended up in Mendoza and planted his first vineyard here in 1902 with the grape variety Malbec. His son, Domingo, inherited the winery and realized his father's dream of becoming one of the greatest vineyard owners in Mendoza.
In the 1960s, the winery went through a difficult period due to the poor economy and rising inflation. Nicolás Catena, Domingo's son with an economics degree, took over in the mid-1960s and concentrated on expanding distribution in Argentina. He sold the table wine producing winery and kept only Bodegas Esmeralda, the winery of fine wines.
Argentina was known at the time as a bulk wine producing country and Nicolás was therefore considered crazy. But he insisted on looking for the best locations to plant vineyards, including in Gualtallary at high altitudes. In the 1980s he started to plant the grape varieties Chardonnay and Malbec. According to his own vineyard manager, the latter grape would never ripen here, but fortunately for Nicolás he did.
It took him five years before he was completely satisfied with the Malbec grape in the 60-year-old Angélica vineyard for the production of the Catena Malbec in 1994. A little later he started producing the Catena Alta wines, from the best plots. from its vineyards. He also grew many clones of the Malbec and managed to find the most suitable vineyard for each of them.
In the late 90s he started making some top cuvées which he called Catena Zapata (after the name of his mother Angélica Zapata). These wines are produced exclusively in exceptionally good years. Bodega Catena Zapata produces five different lines, mostly from vineyards at an altitude of 900 meters or more: Catena Zapata, Catena Alta, Catena, Alamos and Argento.
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