Adrianna River Stones Malbec
⏳ Drinking Window
2026 - 2040
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Grilled ribeye steak, roasted lamb chops, slow-braised beef short ribs
✨ Technical Specifications
The Adrianna Vineyard 'River Stones' Malbec represents the pinnacle of high-altitude viticulture in Mendoza's Gualtallary district, situated at an astonishing 1,450 meters above sea level. Named after a specific parcel covered in oval, white stones from an ancient, dried-up riverbed, this terroir is unique. These calcium carbonate-rich stones absorb the intense mountain sun during the day and radiate heat to the vines at night, protecting them from extreme cold while ensuring optimal drainage. This extreme environment forces the vines to dig deep, yielding a remarkably mineral-driven, structured, and aromatic Malbec. It stands as a testament to Nicolás Catena's legendary gamble in the early 1990s when he planted vines in Gualtallary, a region then dismissed by locals as too cold for grape growing.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena, Bodega Catena Zapata is celebrated as the pioneer that revolutionized modern Argentine winemaking and propelled Malbec onto the international stage. Located in Mendoza, the estate was transformed in the 1980s by third-generation vintner Nicolás Catena Zapata, who boldly advanced high-altitude viticulture along the Andean foothills, highlighted by the iconic Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary. Today, under the stewardship of Nicolás and his daughter Dr. Laura Catena, the winery unites traditional winemaking with groundbreaking soil and climate research via the Catena Institute of Wine. The estate is globally revered for its profound, terroir-driven expressions, exemplified by flagship cuvées such as Nicolás Catena Zapata, Malbec Argentino, and the acclaimed Adrianna Vineyard parcel-specific bottlings.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Malbec
🍷 Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
13.5-14%