Catena Zapata Adrianna Fortuna Terrae 2022

Located at the foot of the Andes mountain range, the Adrianna vineyard is situated in the Uco Valley, north of Gualtallary, in the Mendoza province of Argentina. Planted at very high altitude, on poor soils mixing limestone, gravel, and alluvial deposits, it benefits from sunny days and cool nights that promote slow and complete grape ripening. The Fortuna Terrae sector corresponds to a specific plot within this vineyard, recognized for its particularly elegant expression and great freshness.

The grapes for this Malbec from the Adrianna vineyard are hand-harvested into small crates, then carefully sorted before being gravity-fed into tanks. Fermentation takes place in concrete and stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, with a significant proportion of whole clusters and gentle pump-overs to preserve the purity of the fruit and the expression of the limestone terroir. Aging then continues in mostly used French oak barrels for an extended period, to refine the tannins without marking the wine with wood.

This wine reveals notes of fresh red fruits, ripe black fruits, and violet, complemented by hints of sweet spices, smoky notes, and chalky minerality. The palate presents a silky texture, supported by a vibrant acidity and fine tannins that structure the whole without harshness. The finish is long, precise, and saline, leaving an impression of great freshness and balance.

Although Argentina is often considered part of the "New World," its winemaking tradition is much older than one might think, dating back to the Spanish colonization of the 16th century and later to Italian settlers. Unlike Chile, wine has long been an integral part of the country's culture. No other wine-producing country in the world made more progress in the latter years of the 20th century (in viticulture, oenology, and, of course, finance), which allowed the country's winemakers to raise quality levels and successfully establish an international export market. Argentina is now the fifth largest wine-producing country in the world, after France, Italy, Spain, and the United States. Viticulture is practiced primarily in the foothills of the Andes, particularly in Mendoza, where the desert landscapes and high altitudes combine to create aromatic and intensely flavorful wines. Some vineyards are even planted at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters! The terroir here is well-suited to the grape variety adopted by Argentina: the ubiquitous Malbec. Originally from Bordeaux, it is now the source of some of Argentina's most famous wines, characterized by their brilliance and intensity, with floral notes and dark fruit flavors. Other red varieties produced in Argentina include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bonarda, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Pinot Noir. Among white wines, the emblematic grape of the Argentine wine region is Torrontés, which yields a wine with a floral and tropical taste. The country also produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. Today, Argentine wines are recognized worldwide for their full-bodied reds and as being of high quality.