Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Chardonnay & Malbec: South America's Grand Cru

The Catena Zapata family's mission is to make profound and unforgettable wines that reflect the special character of each vine within the family's historic vineyards. Constantly pushing the viticultural envelope, Nicolás and Laura Catena have identified Mendoza's best microclimates, selected the highest quality Malbec and Chardonnay vines and pioneered viticulture in undiscovered regions. Over the last 20 years, the fastidious vineyard work of Nicholas and Laura has paid dividends and Catena Zapata is now one of Argentina's most famous estates.

Nicolás Catena Zapata planted the Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary to find the coolest spot for growing vines in Mendoza. At first, experts doubted that Malbec and Chardonnay could ripen there due to its extreme altitude and cold climate, which is classified as being between Burgundy and a very cool part of Bordeaux.

Despite the risks, Nicolás pursued his vision, planting Chardonnay cuttings from France and Malbec from his 75-year-old Angélica Vineyard. Over time, the wines from Adrianna stood out for their high minerality and acidity compared to those from lower-altitude sites in the Southern Uco Valley. The Malbecs had firmer tannins and more density, while the Chardonnays were both rich and mineral-driven.

This uniqueness comes from the vineyard's intense sunlight, which aids aroma and tannin development, combined with the cool climate that preserves acidity and controls sugar levels. As a result, the grapes achieve perfect natural balance without the need for additives.

The Adrianna Vineyard, known as Catena Zapata’s "Grand Cru", lies at an altitude of about 1,500 meters and it's divided into several unique parcels, each with distinct soil profiles, microclimates, and characteristics that contribute to the complexity of the wines.