2021 Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Catena Zapata Mendoza 0.75l

2021 Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Catena Zapata – Mendoza/Argentina
single-vineyard wine

Origin:

The Catena family of the Catena Zapata winery is considered a pioneer of modern Argentinian viticulture. Since it was founded in 1902 by the Italian Nicola Catena, the winery has developed from a producer of simple wines to an international flagship for Malbec. Cantina Zapata was the only winery from South America represented in Robert Parker's " 100 Greatest World Wine Estates ", published in 2005. The Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary (Uco Valley) lies at an altitude of almost 1,500 meters and was planted in 1992. Its soil is characterized by limestone and fossil marine deposits. The small plot Mundus Bacillus Terrae - "Microorganisms of the Earth" - covers just 1.4 hectares and produces strictly limited quantities of a highly concentrated Malbec. The first vintage was 2011 , making this wine an anniversary wine.

Expansion:

The grapes are hand-picked and selected . Vinification follows a natural process with spontaneous fermentation using natural yeasts . Approximately 75% of the must ferments in concrete , sometimes with 50% whole bunches , while 25% ferments in large oak barrels (foudres) . The maceration period is 8–13 days at moderate temperatures (25–30°C). The wine then matures for 15–18 months in French oak , with the amount of wood used being finely tuned according to the vintage. The wine is bottled unfiltered and unfined – limited to just 450 cases .

Aroma & Taste:

The 2021 Mundus Bacillus Terrae opens with a precise, cool nose of violet, graphite, blueberry, and cassis , underpinned by subtle herbal spice and earthy minerality. On the palate, it is concentrated yet elegant , carried by fine acidity and taut, silky tannins. Aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, and mineral limestone intertwine with hints of cocoa and tobacco. A Malbec with clear lines, intense energy, and a long, salty-fresh finish —at once aristocratic and profound.

Food recommendation:

Perfect with grilled beef or lamb , entrecôte , and also with game dishes such as venison. Equally exciting with porcini mushroom risotto or mature hard cheeses such as Manchego or Comté. A wine that excels in fine dining and stands on its own as a standalone wine in a large glass.

Special features of the 2021 vintage in Mendoza:

2021 was a challenging vintage : Late frost reduced yields, especially for white varieties. A cool, cloudy summer slowed ripening, before a warm autumn brought the necessary completion. In the Uco Valley, this resulted in moderate yields but exceptionally aromatic Malbecs with a clear acid structure and taut tension . The wines are less voluptuous than in warmer years, but exhibit great elegance, precision, and longevity .

Conclusion:

The 2021 Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae is the winery's flagship Malbec from one of Argentina's most important highlands. It combines the cool elegance of the vintage with the deep minerality of its limestone-rich soils – and impressively demonstrates why Catena Zapata is considered a pioneer of Argentina's world-class wines. A wine for decades, it possesses Premier Cru stature and underscores Argentina's position on the international fine wine scene.