2022 Bodegas Catena Zapata Adrianna Fortuna Terrae

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Adrianna Vineyard Malbec from Gualtallary: Fortuna Terrae 2022

Catena Zapata's Fortuna Terrae 2022 comes from perhaps Argentina's most talked-about vineyard: Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary. The name means "happiness of the earth"—and that sums up this wine quite well. Because this isn't your typical Malbec: it's all about elegance, energy, and detail.

The plot's location—at an altitude of 1,200 meters, with chalky soils and a cool wind blowing across the Andes—produces grapes with tension, freshness, and aromatic precision. You can sense this immediately from the first sip. The wine is pure, floral, and spicy on the nose, with a soft, silky texture on the palate. But what truly stands out is the electric acidity at the heart of the wine. It elevates everything.

Review Robert Parker: 96+ points

Matthew Luczy of The Wine Advocate was clearly impressed: "pure, floral, herbal, and elegant on the nose, followed by a svelte, soft, and richly textured palate enlivened by an increasingly electric core of acidity." He also praised the length of the finish, which grows with time in the glass. He believes this Fortuna Terrae is the perfect balance between the airy River Stones and the powerful Mundus Bacillus Terrae bottling. It will be available from 2024, but those who wait will be rewarded.

Catena Zapata: Between Science and Character

The Catena family put Argentine wine on the world map. In just a few generations, the winery grew from a local producer to a global phenomenon. This is not only due to their international awards, but also because they take terroir seriously. For years, they have been conducting scientific research on soil, climate, and grape varieties, together with the Catena Wine Institute. Adrianna Vineyard is a prime example: each micro-plot is vinified individually, and every detail matters.

Winemaker Alejandro Vigil is now a celebrity in Argentina. They don't call him "The Messi of Wine" for nothing. And just like Messi, he plays with precision at every level – from the simplest Catena bottle to this top cuvée.

What does Fortuna Terrae 2022 taste like?

Don't expect a powerhouse of oak and jam. Fortuna Terrae is understated and precise. The aroma reveals floral, herbal, and earthy notes. The palate offers a velvety-smooth texture, with an almost vibrant freshness lingering beneath the surface. The tannins are present, yet restrained and perfectly integrated. The wine has a clear structure, yet also a lightness – a balance rarely achieved so skillfully.

It's a wine that only improves with time and air. Decanting is a must. And if you have the chance to store it for five or ten years, do it.

Want to order Catena Zapata Fortuna Terrae 2022 online?

This top Malbec from Adrianna Vineyard is now available for order through Grandcruwijnen. The bottles are stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, where temperature and humidity are perfectly controlled.

Prefer to pick it up yourself? You can in Dordrecht. You'll immediately receive a great pickup discount, which will automatically appear when you select "Pick up" at checkout.

Specifications

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Available as of Aug 8, 2025
Type of Wine Red
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Appellation Valle de Uco
Winery Catena Zapata
Grape Malbec
Biological certified No
Natural wine No
Vegan No
Vintage 2022
Drinking as of 2025
Drinking till 2038
Alcohol % 14
Alcohol free/low No
Content 0.75 ltr
Oak aging Yes
Sparkling No
Dessert wine No
Closure Cork
Parker rating 97
James Suckling rating 98
Vinous rating 97
Tasting Profiles Complex, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Rood fruit, Tannines, Vol
Drink moments Indruk maken, Lekker luxe

Professional Reviews

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Parker

97

James Suckling

98

Vinous

97

Wijnhuis

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Bodega Catena Zapata ranks among the absolute top of the Argentine wine world. This family estate from Mendoza, founded in 1902, sparked a revolution in South American viticulture. Through high-altitude pioneering and an uncompromising focus on quality, Catena Zapata not only put the Malbec grape on the map, but also helped establish Argentina’s reputation as a serious wine-producing nation. In this article, you’ll learn more about the impressive history, the iconic wines, and the innovative character of this leading winery.

 

Bodega Catena Zapata: Iconic Winery from Mendoza

Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina’s most influential wineries and plays a key role in shaping the global reputation of Argentine fine wine. The winery was founded in 1902 by Nicola Catena, an Italian immigrant who sought his fortune in Mendoza. He planted his first vineyard with the Malbec grape, which was then still an unknown variety in Argentina.

 

His son, Domingo Catena, carried on his father’s dream and became one of Mendoza’s largest vineyard owners. However, the family business also faced adversity: in the 1960s, Argentina was hit by economic instability and sky-high inflation.

 

Nicolás Catena: The Man Who Reinvented Argentine Wine

The young Nicolás Catena, freshly graduated as an economist, took over the business in the mid-1960s. At a time when Argentina was mainly known for bulk wine production, Nicolás made the bold decision to focus on quality. Against all odds, he sold off the table wine-producing part of the family business and retained only Bodegas Esmeralda, the foundation for high-quality wines.

 

His vision was revolutionary: Argentina had to leverage the quality of its terroir to compete at the highest international level. He began replanting Malbec and Chardonnay at high altitudes, including in Gualtallary, a subregion in the Uco Valley located over 1,500 meters above sea level. While many believed Malbec would never ripen at that altitude, Catena proved otherwise.

 

Malbec as an Argentine Icon

The Malbec grape is now inseparably linked to Argentina — largely thanks to Nicolás Catena. In 1994, he released his first Catena Malbec, made from old vines in the Adrianna Vineyard. This vineyard turned out to be of exceptional quality and helped elevate the global reputation of Malbec.

 

Catena even planted 145 different Malbec clones and rigorously tested their suitability. Ultimately, he selected the best clones for his top-tier wines, including those from the La Pirámide vineyard.

 

Laura Catena: Science Meets Winemaking

In 2001, Nicolás handed over the R&D project to his daughter Laura Catena, a medical doctor with degrees from Harvard and Stanford. Her scientific background brought a new dimension to the winemaking process. Together with her team, she focused on the extreme microclimates of the high-altitude vineyards, which led to unique expressions of Malbec.

In 2004, the decision was made to ferment the grapes from these vineyards directly in new French oak barrels. This resulted in three groundbreaking Malbecs that today stand as symbols of the winery’s innovative power.

 

The Wines of Catena Zapata: Five Distinct Lines

The winery produces five wine lines, each with its own character and level of quality:

 

- Catena Zapata: The flagship cuvées, made only in exceptional vintages.
- Catena Alta: Wines from the best parcels of high-altitude vineyards.
- Catena: The core line, balancing elegance and typicity.
- Alamos: Accessible wines with excellent value for money.
- Argento: The most commercial line, aimed at a broader market (Note: this line was later spun off and is no longer directly part of Catena Zapata).

 

All of these wines come from vineyards located at 900 meters or higher, clearly emphasizing Catena Zapata’s commitment to terroir and elevation.

 

Innovation, Vision, and Terroir at Catena Zapata

Catena Zapata is a textbook example of how vision, perseverance, and innovation can lead to international acclaim. From the first Malbec plantings in 1902 to Laura Catena’s cutting-edge vinification methods, the winery continues to evolve without losing sight of its roots.

The iconic winery building, shaped like a Mayan pyramid and designed in the 1990s, symbolizes the connection between past and future. It serves as the physical and philosophical heart of the estate.

 

Buying Wines from Bodega Catena Zapata at Grandcruwijnen?

At Grandcruwijnen, we offer a wide selection of Catena wines. Whether you're looking for an approachable Alamos Malbec or an impressive Catena Alta Chardonnay, you'll find it in our assortment. Order easily online or pick up your wines at our pickup center in Dordrecht. Our sommeliers are happy to advise you on the best food pairings for your favorite Catena wines.

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