Winemaker Notes
The deep soils and high altitude impart freshness and delicate flower aromas. Very aromatic, with spicy black fruit notes and moderate acidity. Fortuna Terrae is elegant, rounded, and smooth.
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
A beautifully mineral red with impeccable purity. Wet stones, red cherries and a hint of flowers and spice. Really chalky tannins with a bone-dry palate and a long, transparent finish. A combination of power and etherealness, creating perfect harmony. 100% whole bunch.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Adrianna Vineyard Malbec Fortuna Terrae opens with a quintessential profile of black fruits, dried herbs and purple flowers, all delivered with the ethereal lift common to this section of Gualtallary. The palate is deep, concentrated and savory, seamlessly transitioning into an immensely rich, long, focused and increasingly vibrant and mineral-driven finish. This vintage is particularly dynamic in the glass, continuously gaining power, depth and tensile structure; I do not doubt it will develop beautifully in the cellar with its other Adrianna Vineyard counterparts.
-
Vinous
The 2021 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae is sourced from a small plot situated in Gualtallary, featuring a soil profile with a depth of one meter. It underwent a meticulous 16-month aging process in foudres and concrete vats and exhibits a dark purple hue. The nose presents enticing lavender, mint, mountain herbs, orange peel and curry aromas layered over a foundation of dried flowers. The palate offers a compelling combination of dryness and juiciness. The rich and taut mouthfeel imparts a vibrant energy that flows into a compact yet delicately lingering finish. A unique and flavorful Malbec, it marries a primary style with a terroir-driven conceptual approach.
-
Wine Spectator
Elegant, fresh and inviting at the onset, with violet, hibiscus and blood orange notes that join a smooth-textured palate of raspberry coulis and red currant, melding into richer tiers of dark chocolate and graphite that linger around fine tannins, echoing back to the core flavors. Drink now through 2035.
Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina's high-altitude Malbec pioneers. The Catena family began making wine in Mendoza in 1902. Nicolas Catena, third generation family vintner, was one of the first to see the potential of Mendoza's mountain vineyards for producing high quality Malbec. In 1994, he became the first Argentine to export a world-class bottling of Malbec under the Catena label. Nicolas is joined by his daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, in their relentless pursuit of world-class quality from the family's high-altitude vineyards. Laura has done extensive work in introducing Malbec and other varietal plant selections, soil and climate analysis, and sustainable practices throughout Mendoza. Head winemaker, Alejandro Vigil, has been at Catena Zapata since 2002 and works with Laura and Nicolas to make wines that express the family's vineyards and palate.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
With a winning combination of cool weather, high elevation and well-draining alluvial soils, it is no surprise that Mendoza’s Uco Valley is one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in Argentina. Healthy, easy-to-manage vines produce low yields of high-quality fruit, which in turn create flavorful, full-bodied wines with generous acidity.
This is the source of some of the best Malbec in Mendoza, which can range from value-priced to ultra-premium. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay also perform well here.