2022 Bodegas Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec

The 2022 Bodegas Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec is a single-parcel expression from one of Argentina’s most iconic high-altitude vineyards. Sourced from the stony “River” sector of the celebrated Adrianna Vineyard in Mendoza, this Malbec is all about precision, minerality and tension rather than sheer power. It’s a limited, terroir-driven bottling that showcases why Catena Zapata is considered a benchmark for world-class Argentine Malbec.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 River Malbec shows a deep, vibrant purple-ruby core with bright violet highlights along the rim, hinting at its youth and concentration. The nose is intensely aromatic yet refined, with layers of black cherry, wild blackberry and ripe plum woven together with graphite, crushed river stones, violets and subtle notes of cocoa, spice and dried herbs. On the palate, this wine is medium to full-bodied but incredibly focused, with a lively line of acidity and finely etched tannins that give it both structure and elegance. Dark berry and black plum flavors are lifted by floral notes and a distinct mineral, almost saline edge, reflecting the rocky, alluvial soils of the Adrianna Vineyard. Hints of cacao nib, black tea and subtle French oak add complexity without overshadowing the fruit. The finish is long, fresh and precise, promising excellent aging potential; properly cellared, this 2022 vintage should evolve gracefully for 10–15 years, gaining further nuance and silkiness over time.

Production
The Adrianna Vineyard sits in Gualtallary, in the Tupungato sub-region of Mendoza, at an impressive altitude of around 1,450 meters above sea level. This extreme elevation brings cool nights, intense sunlight and a long growing season, while the “River” parcel is defined by its alluvial soils rich in rounded river stones, gravel and calcium carbonate, which contribute to the wine’s notable minerality and tension. Grapes are typically hand-harvested in small boxes to preserve berry integrity, with meticulous selection both in the vineyard and at the winery. Vinification usually involves small-lot fermentation, often with gentle extraction to emphasize purity and finesse rather than heaviness, followed by aging in mostly French oak barrels (a significant portion used or lightly toasted) to frame the fruit and terroir expression without dominating it.

Food & Serving
This River Malbec is a superb partner for grilled or roasted red meats—think Argentine-style asado, ribeye steak, lamb chops or venison—as well as richer dishes like braised short ribs, duck breast or mushroom risotto. Its freshness and minerality also make it a fine match for charcuterie, aged hard cheeses and dishes featuring roasted root vegetables or herbs. Serve at 16–18°C (about 60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and balance. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended in its youth to soften the tannins and allow the floral and mineral notes to fully open.

Producer
Catena Zapata is one of Argentina’s most influential wineries, widely credited with elevating Malbec from a local workhorse grape to an international star. Founded in 1902, the Catena family has been a driving force in high-altitude viticulture in Mendoza, with Nicolás Catena and later his daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, pioneering the planting of vineyards at increasingly higher elevations to achieve greater freshness, concentration and complexity. The Adrianna Vineyard is often described as a ‘Grand Cru’ of the Andes and has been the source of numerous critically acclaimed wines. Catena Zapata’s focus on detailed parcel studies, sustainable viticulture and precision winemaking has made them a reference point not only in Argentina but in the global fine wine world.

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