Nicolás Catena played a pivotal role in promoting Argentinian wine into the modern era. As a well-traveled academic economist, he drew inspiration from his experiences in the 1970s, encountering both exceptional Bordeaux wines and the promising developments in Napa Valley. By the early 1980s, Catena recognized that the crucial factor was planting suitable grape varieties in optimal locations, particularly cooler, higher-altitude sites.
Nicolás Catena Zapata boldly planted vines in locations deemed unlikely for ripening by others. His pioneering work in high-altitude winemaking led to the revelation of a new terroir for wine: the Adrianna Vineyard, at nearly 5,000 feet elevation.
Over time, Nicolás Catena Zapata observed how altitude affects the quality of fruit. As one ascends the Andes, the temperature tends to drop, while the difference between day and night temperatures widens. Such conditions create an optimal climate for grape ripening. The Catena Zapata family vineyards are subdivided into plots based on their soil types. Each plot is cultivated separately, aiming to enhance its unique fruit characteristics.
River Malbec takes its name from a small section of the Adrianna Vineyard, distinguished by its covering of oval white stones and its history as an ancient riverbed. The copious stones ensure excellent drainage and experience extreme temperatures: they retain warmth during the day and moderate the cooler nights, akin to ice cubes after a particularly cold night. Malbecs grown in stony soil often exhibit intense aromatics, opulent richness, and luxurious qualities, mirroring the character of the River Malbec from Adrianna.
2019 Vintage
The 2019 vintage is receiving amazing reviews. A cold winter transitioned into a brisk spring, which was notably dry yet cool. Thankfully, refreshing breezes helped mitigate the risk of frost and disease, while occurrences of hail were fortunately infrequent. For the majority, the harvest proceeded smoothly, and indications suggest exceptional quality. The temperate spring and autumn, sandwiching the summer, contributed to moderate alcohol levels in the grapes. As a result, the wine is showing a refreshing character, characterised by crisp acidity typical of cooler climates. This wine can be savoured in its youth or aged for decades to come.
James Suckling – 98 points
The Wine Advocate – 97+ points
2020 Vintage
The 2020 vintage in Argentina was remarkably successful. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on the vintage was fortunately minimal. Despite the reduced yields caused by drought earlier in the season, the wines produced were exceptionally impressive, offering concentrated reds. Particularly noteworthy is their bold colour and exquisite balance, showcasing vibrant fruit characteristics alongside well-integrated tannins and acidity.
James Suckling – 98 points
The Wine Advocate – 97+ points
Tim Atkin – 96 points
Food pairing suggestion: Carbonada Criolla – Argentinian beef stew.
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