Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Stones Malbec 2022
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Stones Malbec 2022 is a dry, full-bodied red from Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina), in the rich, smooth reds style. Tannins are moderate and acidity moderate; oak influence is some. Good with steak, barbecue, burgers, beef stew. Drink now or within 20 years (to about 2046). Decant for about 1 hour. Critic score 98/100 (merchant-reported). Cheapest offer £164.62 at 8wines UK.
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colome Altura Maxima Malbec 2020 Colome · Salta | £116.44 | |||
| Matias Riccitelli & Father 2023 Matias Riccitelli · Mendoza | £62.04 | |||
| Caymus Red Schooner Voyage 12 Caymus · California | £61.73 | |||
| Matias Riccitelli Vinas Extremas Los Chacayes Malbec 2019 Matias Riccitelli · Mendoza | £42.50 |
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. The history of the Argentina Catena Zapata winery began in 1902, when Nicola Catena, who emigrated from Italy in search of fortune, planted his first Malbec vineyard in Mendoza. At that time, this area, characterized by poor soils, was discarded by European immigrants due to low fertility. Nicolas Catena has succeeded in identifying and understanding the potential of these soils that are ideal for quality viticulture, implementing a real Malbec revolution. From the famous Adrianna vineyard, the company produces exceptional wines, both white and red with very limited production. The naturally low yields and slow maturation during the summer give the wines elegance, balance, and wonderfully soft tannins. The grapes for the production of the River Stones come from the rockiest part of the Adrianna vineyard, exposed to the north. The wine represents the red version of the White Stones and ages in oak barrels for 20 months. It is a wine that offers power and elegance, with a dark purple color and shades that tend to be blue-black. On the nose, it reveals a complex aromatic profile of dark berry fruits (especially blackberries and cassis) with delicate floral notes and hints of vanilla and coffee. In the mouth, it is concentrated and refined, with firm but round tannins. The intense minerality develops in a long and harmonious finish. Try it with roast beef served with a mushroom sauce.