Catena Zapata Catena Alta Chardonnay 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Catena Alta Chardonnay hails from the renowned region of Mendoza, Argentina, where the high-altitude vineyards produce some of the country’s finest wines. The vineyards for this Chardonnay are located in two distinct sites:

• Adrianna Vineyard: Situated at almost 5,000 feet elevation, this vineyard is one of the highest in Mendoza. The cool climate and pebble-covered soils provide ideal growing conditions for Chardonnay, imparting exceptional purity of flavors and a distinct minerality unique to this site.
• Domingo Vineyard: Located at 3,700 feet elevation, this vineyard features sandy loam soils that contribute ripe white stone fruit flavors and a balanced acidity to the wine.

The extreme elevations of these vineyards allow for slow ripening, preserving the grapes’ natural acidity while enhancing concentration and complexity. These conditions are perfect for producing a Chardonnay with vibrant freshness and nuanced flavors.

Winemaking

The Catena Alta Chardonnay is made using a combination of traditional and modern techniques to highlight the vineyard's expression and the grape’s natural elegance.

The wine is made from 100% Chardonnay, exclusively sourced from the Adrianna and Domingo vineyards. The grapes undergo a meticulous barrel fermentation in French oak barriques, with 45% new oak. To enhance texture and richness, the wine undergoes an extended fermentation process lasting 50 days, followed by batonnage (stirring of the lees). This technique imparts creaminess and complexity while preserving the wine’s freshness.

The wine is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels (225L), ensuring the oak influence is well integrated and never overpowering. A full malolactic fermentation softens the acidity, lending a round, balanced mouthfeel while enhancing the fruit profile.

Tasting Notes

• Color: A bright greenish-yellow hue with brilliant clarity.
• Aroma: The nose is complex and layered, revealing ripe aromas of pear, peach, and apple, intertwined with delicate citrus notes and hints of jasmine.
• Palate: The palate is rich and concentrated, offering flavors of ripe pear, apricot, and baked apple, balanced by a touch of minerality. The creamy texture, a result of lees stirring, is complemented by crisp, mineral-driven acidity, leading to a long, elegant finish with lingering freshness.

Did You Know?

The Adrianna Vineyard, one of the sources for this wine, is often referred to as the "Grand Cru" of South America due to its exceptional terroir and its role in producing some of Argentina's most iconic wines.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Poulet mariné au citron vert : L'acidité vive et la texture crémeuse du vin équilibrent parfaitement les saveurs fraîches et citronnées du plat.
• Risotto aux fruits de mer : Les notes minérales et la richesse du Chardonnay se marient harmonieusement avec la douceur des fruits de mer.
• Saumon grillé avec sauce beurre blanc : La structure du vin complète les saveurs riches et beurrées du saumon tout en conservant une belle fraîcheur.
• Fromage Comté affiné : La texture crémeuse et les arômes fruités du vin subliment les saveurs salées et complexes du fromage.

History of Catena Zapata Estate

Founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena, Catena Zapata has been a family-owned winery for over a century. The estate saw significant evolution under the leadership of Nicola’s grandson, Nicolás Catena Zapata, who joined the family business in the early 1980s.

Nicolás Catena's vision was instrumental in transforming the Argentinian wine industry. His focus on high-altitude viticulture, particularly in the Andean foothills, has been a key factor in achieving the unique expression of Mendoza's wines.

Nicolás Catena’s daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, a Harvard and Stanford-trained biologist and physician, joined the winery in the 1990s. She has continued her father's legacy, emphasizing scientific research and sustainable practices. Under her guidance, Catena Zapata has been at the forefront of vineyard research, studying the effects of altitude, climate, and soil on wine quality.

Region and Vineyards

Catena Zapata is located in the Mendoza region, specifically in the sub-regions of Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. The vineyards are planted at elevations ranging from 920 meters (3,020 feet) to 1,450 meters (4,757 feet) above sea level. The high-altitude vineyards provide a unique microclimate with significant diurnal temperature variations, which contribute to the grapes' complex flavors and balanced acidity.

The estate’s top vineyards include:

• Adrianna Vineyard: Located at 1,450 meters, this is one of the highest vineyards in Mendoza and is renowned for producing exceptional Chardonnay and Malbec.
• Nicasia Vineyard: Situated at 1,095 meters in the Altamira district of the Uco Valley, known for its Malbec and Cabernet Franc.
• La Pirámide Vineyard: Found at 950 meters in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, this vineyard is celebrated for its Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Range

Catena Zapata offers a diverse range of wines, showcasing the rich variety of Mendoza’s terroir. The portfolio includes:

• Catena Alta: High-quality varietal wines representing the best of the estate's vineyards.
• Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard: Single-vineyard wines from the prestigious Adrianna Vineyard, including the iconic "White Bones" and "White Stones" Chardonnay.
• Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino: A flagship Malbec that exemplifies the winery’s dedication to high-altitude viticulture.
• Nicolás Catena Zapata: The winery’s flagship Bordeaux-style blend, which has gained international acclaim.

Did you know?

Catena Zapata was the first winery in Argentina to receive a 100-point score from a major wine publication, awarded by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate for the 2016 Adrianna Vineyard "River" Malbec.