Bodega Catena Zapata Mundus Bacillus Terrae 2016 The Wine Gate Shop
Bodega Catena Zapata Mundus Bacillus Terrae 2016 The Wine Gate Shop
Bodega Catena Zapata Mundus Bacillus Terrae 2016 The Wine Gate Shop
Argentina

Uco Valley, Mendoza – Gualtallary

Catena Zapata Adrianna Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec 2016

Shipped in original wooden case

In stock

Estimated UPS delivery within 8 days

Full description

| incl. VAT

Ratings

97 100

WA - ROBERT PARKER

96 100

JAMES SUCKLING

18 20

JANCINS ROBINSON

97 100

DECANTER

THE PROPERTY

Four generations of the Catena family have farmed the vineyards of Mendoza, ever since Italian founder Nicola Catena planted his first Malbec vines in 1902. Robert Parker’s 2005 book about the 100 “Greatest World Wine Estates” featured only one winery from South America: Catena Zapata. Parker wrote: “Argentina’s greatest visionary is Nicolás Catena Zapata, and his crusade for high-altitude vineyards and conservative viticultural practices has resulted in one after another breakthrough wines that have pushed Argentina to the forefront of the modern winemaking revolution.” Joined by his daughter Dr. Laura Catena in 1995, the father-daughter team’s vision is to elevate Argentine wine for another 100 years.

“Nicolás Catena Zapata is justly credited with putting Argentinean wines on the world map—by the best expedient of focusing entirely on quality. It's great to know he has started a wine dynasty, too.”
Jancis Robinson

THE VINEYARD

Named after Nicolás Catena Zapata’s youngest daughter, the Adrianna Vineyard is located at almost 1,500 meters elevation in Mendoza. The soils in this 1.4 hectare parcel are filled with scattered limestone and marine deposits that covered the region millions of years ago. The limestone layers are well-drained and particularly rich in rhizobacteria, the microorganisms that help vine roots withstand stress and absorb nutrients. Thus, the name "mundus bacillus terrae" or "elegant microbes of the earth."

About the Adrianna Vineyard: South America's Grand Cru

"Words do not do justice to this beauty."
Luis Gutierrez, Robert Parker Jr.’s The Wine Advocate

The vintage

This 100% Malbec come from a 1.4h plot in the Adrianna Vineyard owned by the Catena family.

At nearly 1500 meters above sea level but with lots of high intensity sun this wine has a beautiful profile of floral and fruit aromas balanced with bright acidity and a savory finish.

The coolest vintage in the last thirty years, 2016 was marked by "El Niño", low yields and a fully snow-covered view of the Andes through the summer. The rains were highest in the Uco Valley, which was fortunate because that is where the alluvial mountain soils are best drained. 

We also had hail in Adrianna and were very grateful for the hail-netting over our grand cru parcels. The vineyard was dry farmed, and we were able to see the full extent of organic farming with wild flowers, bees and insects flourishing because of the increased water.

Information

  • Domain Bodega Catena Zapata
  • Vineyard Adrianna Vineyard
  • Color
    Red
  • Vintage 2016
  • Variety 100% Malbec
  • Culture Organic
  • Alcohol degrees14°
Download the datasheet

Tasting Notes

Eye, bouquet, palate

James Suckling tasting note:

Aromas of violets, blueberries and black licorice follow through to a full body with tight and restrained tannins and a lively acidity. An energetic and youthful wine. Can age wonderfully but exciting to taste now.

Temperature

16°

Drinking window

2019 - 2030

Wine and food pairing

Duck or beef