2016 Bodegas Catena Zapata Adrianna Mundus Bacillus Terrae

From the famed Adrianna Vineyard high in Gualtallary, the 2016 Bodegas Catena Zapata Adrianna Mundus Bacillus Terrae is one of Argentina’s most profound expressions of Malbec. Sourced from a tiny, meticulously studied parcel at 1,480 meters above sea level, this is a wine that marries cutting-edge research with old-world sensibility. Named after the unique soil bacteria that thrive in this plot, Mundus Bacillus Terrae stands as a genuine “grand cru” of the Adrianna estate and a benchmark for high-altitude Malbec worldwide.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 Adrianna Mundus Bacillus Terrae is deep, opaque purple with a luminous, inky core and vibrant violet rim. The nose is intensely aromatic yet refined, layering black cherry, ripe plum, and wild blackberry with notes of violets, dried rose petals, and subtle graphite. Earthy undertones of wet stone, truffle, and forest floor mingle with hints of cocoa, delicate spice, and finely integrated oak. On the palate, the wine is powerful and tightly structured, with firm, polished tannins and a striking, high-altitude freshness. Dark fruit flavours—blackberry, blackcurrant, and macerated cherry—are wrapped in savoury mineral tones and subtle herbal lift. The acidity is precise and vibrant, giving the wine both tension and elegance, while the finish is very long, layered, and mineral-driven, echoing notes of earth, flowers, and spice. Still youthful and compact, the 2016 offers immense aging potential; it will reward patience over 10–20 years or more, gradually unfolding greater complexity and texture.

Production
The Adrianna Vineyard lies in Gualtallary in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, one of Argentina’s coolest, highest-elevation winegrowing areas. At around 1,480 meters above sea level, the vines grow in poor, rocky, calcareous soils with abundant stones and limestone, conditions that naturally limit yields and accentuate mineral character. Catena Zapata harvests this small plot by hand, carefully selecting only perfect clusters of Malbec. The estate’s pioneering research into terroir and soil microbiology has led to the identification of specific native yeasts and beneficial bacteria in this parcel—hence the name Mundus Bacillus Terrae. Fermentation typically takes place in small containers with indigenous yeasts to preserve the site’s character, followed by aging in high-quality French oak (largely used or lightly toasted) to add texture and finesse without overwhelming the purity of fruit and terroir expression.

Food & Serving
This is a sophisticated, structured Malbec that shines alongside refined, flavourful cuisine. Ideal pairings include grilled or dry-aged beef, lamb racks with rosemary, venison or other game, and dishes with earthy components such as wild mushrooms, truffle, or lentils. Mature hard cheeses—like aged Manchego, Comté, or Parmigiano Reggiano—also work beautifully. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight the wine’s aromatic complexity and freshness. Decanting is strongly recommended, especially in its youth: give it 1–2 hours in a decanter to allow the tannins to soften and the floral and mineral notes to fully emerge.

Producer
Catena Zapata is widely regarded as Argentina’s flagship winery and the driving force behind the country’s ascent onto the world’s fine wine stage. Founded in 1902 in Mendoza, the Catena family has spent generations exploring high-altitude viticulture, ultimately redefining what Malbec can be. The Adrianna Vineyard, often described as one of the most studied vineyards on the planet, is the jewel of the estate and a reference point for terroir-focused wines in the New World. Through rigorous scientific research into soils, microclimates, and native yeasts, Catena Zapata has pushed the boundaries of quality and complexity, earning global acclaim and top scores from leading critics—including 97 points from Robert Parker for this 2016 Mundus Bacillus Terrae—cementing its status as a standard-bearer for excellence in Argentina.

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