Catena Zapata, Adrianna Vineyard Terrae Fortuna Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2018

Overview of the Wine
Great wines begin in the vineyard. Our vision is to make rich and unforgettable wines that are true to the special place they come from. The story of Catena is the story of Argentine wine.

Founded in 1902, Argentina’s Bodega Catena Zapata is known for its pioneering role in resurrecting Malbec and in discovering extreme high altitude terroirs in the Andean foothills of Mendoza.

Over the years, Nicolás Catena Zapata discovered the influence altitude has on fruit quality. As one climbs the altitudes of the Andes the average temperature decreases and the amplitude between day and night temperatures increases.

This environment provides the ideal climate for grape maturation. Each of the Catena Zapata family vineyards is divided into parcels according to their soil composition. These parcels are farmed individually, with an eye on encouraging their most authentic fruit expression.

Grape / Blend
Malbec

Origin
Mendoza, Argentina

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Fortuna Terrae means luck of the land in Latin, and indeed, our vines from this parcel of the Adrianna Vineyard are lucky. The deep loamy soils are home to many varieties of native grasses which prevent erosion and attract benefic insects, singing birds and mountain foxes. Because of the freshness imparted by the deep soils and high altitude, the wines of Fortuna Terrae have optimal acidity and delicate flower aromas. It is best to enjoy this wine a few years or decades after harvest.

98 Points - James Suckling  
The aromatics here really seduce you with their blackberry and dried-strawberry notes and undertones of wet earth, green tea, dried flowers, stones and dust. Full bodied, tight and very focused with similarly complex character on the palate. More muscle than many previous vintages of this. Extremely long and juicy. Needs at least four or five years to come together.

97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae comes from deeper soils with clay and limestone planted in 1992 in Gualtallary. The grapes were picked a little later in 2018, as they had higher yields, to achieve better acidity. It fermented with 50% full clusters in 225-liter oak barrels and 500-liter roll fermentors and matured in French oak barrels for 18 months. It reveals some austerity and subtle aromas, red and black fruit, some spice and a medium to full-bodied palate with good tension and some austerity, developing a shy note of thyme after some time in the glass. It's very balanced and tasty. 5,040 bottles were filled in October 2019.

96 Points - Wine Spectator
A pure and minerally style, with concentrated dark cherry, currant and blackberry flavors that are backed by fresh acidity and lithe tannins. The fresh finish is powerfully elegant, lingering with rich spice and savory accents. Drink now through 2028.

Product size: 750ml