Catena Zapata Catena Alta Chardonnay 2020

Catena Zapata Catena Alta Chardonnay 2020

 

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Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Chardonnay 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion :
  • Type : White
  • Style : Creamy Full Bodied White
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14°
  • Grappes : 100% Chardonnay

Catena Alta Chardonnay is a premium Argentine Chardonnay that beautifully combines elegance, complexity, and minerality, reflecting the unique terroirs of high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 94 2020
RP Robert Parker 92 2020
WS Wine Spectator 92 2018
More information on wine critics and ratings

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.

James Suckling (JS) : 94 Points (2020)
This has aromas of grilled pineapple, ripe nectarine, mango stone, coconut and praline. Full-bodied, layered and creamy with delicious tropical-fruit and buttery notes. Excellent length. Sustainable.

Robert Parker (RP) : 92 Points (2020)
The creamy and mellow 2020 Catena Alta Chardonnay comes from a warmer year, and the wine shows it. It still has moderate alcohol (13.6%) and ripeness and keeps the balance and poise, but the oak is a little more noticeable than in the 2021 I tasted next to it.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 92 Points (2018)
The excellent, subtle and elegant 2018 Catena Alta Chardonnay had a shy nose that took some time in the glass to take off. It's more subtle than in-your-face, and the palate is super elegant, with much better integrated oak than previous vintages. There is great freshness and very good acidity that comes through as pure, crystalline and focused, with a mineral mouthfeel. Rating: 92+

Catena Zapata Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
JS
93
RP
93
Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon is a distinguished wine from Bodega Catena Zapata, exemplifying the richness and structure characteristic of high-altitude Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon.
47,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2019
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2019
Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Malbec 2019
VN
95
JS
94
WS
91
The Catena Alta Malbec is a testament to the Catena family's dedication to producing world-class wines, featuring rich, layered flavors and elegant tannins from meticulously selected vineyard lots.
50,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec 2019
Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec 2019
Catena Zapata
Nicasia Malbec 2019
WS
93
RP
97
W&S
91
Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec is a refined and elegant single-vineyard Malbec, produced from meticulously selected vines in one of the Catena family’s historic vineyards.
82,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec 2021
Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec 2021
Catena Zapata
Argentino Malbec 2021
WS
93
RP
96
VN
95
Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino is a flagship Argentine Malbec, paying tribute to the grape's journey from Cahors, France, to its rebirth in Argentina, where it found its ultimate expression.
99,00 €
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Catena Zapata Catena Alta Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Chardonnay 2020
JS
92
RP
92
WS
92
Catena Alta Chardonnay is a high-altitude Chardonnay from Mendoza, Argentina, offering elegance and complexity shaped by the unique Adrianna and Domingo vineyards, renowned for their distinct terroir at nearly 1,500 meters.
31,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Catena Malbec 2021
Catena Zapata Catena Malbec 2021
Catena Zapata
Catena Malbec 2021
JS
91
RP
91
W&S
90
Catena Zapata Catena Malbec is a distinguished Argentine Malbec, crafted from high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza. Known for its depth and complexity, this wine exemplifies the best characteristics of Malbec from this renowned producer.
22,90 €
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Catena Zapata Catena Chardonnay 2021
Catena Zapata Catena Chardonnay 2021
Catena Zapata
Catena Chardonnay 2021
JS
92
RP
92
W&S
94
The Catena Chardonnay is a finely crafted wine that showcases the unique terroirs of Mendoza's high-altitude vineyards, delivering a harmonious blend of rich textures and vibrant acidity.
20,50 €
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Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata 2019
Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata 2019
Catena Zapata
Nicolas Catena Zapata 2019
JS
98
VN
96
RP
96
The Catena Zapata Nicolás Catena Zapata is a premier expression of Argentine winemaking, blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc to showcase the finest characteristics of Mendoza's terroir. This wine continues the legacy of its inaugural 1997 vintage, which set new standards by triumphing in blind tastings against prestigious First Growth Bordeaux wines.
94,50 €
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Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata
White Stones Chardonnay 2020
WS
90
RP
96
DCT
95
The White Stones Chardonnay from Catena Zapata is a fresh, mineral-driven Chardonnay with aromas of white flowers and stone fruit. Grown at 4,575 feet in the Adrianna Vineyard, this wine captures the essence of its stony, calcareous soils.
125,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Adrianna Fortuna Terrae 2019
Catena Zapata Adrianna Fortuna Terrae 2019
Catena Zapata
Adrianna Fortuna Terrae 2019
JS
99
VN
95
WS
96
The Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae is a remarkable Malbec that embodies the unique terroir of the high-altitude Adrianna Vineyard, delivering exceptional elegance and depth.
109,90 €
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Catena Zapata River Malbec 2020
Catena Zapata River Malbec 2020
Catena Zapata
River Malbec 2020
WS
93
RP
97
JS
98
Sourced from the River sector of Adrianna Vineyard, at an elevation of 1,372 meters (4,500 feet), this wine captures Mendoza’s vibrant acidity, minerality, and concentrated aromas, making it a hallmark of high-altitude winemaking.
175,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec 2020
Catena Zapata Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec 2020
Catena Zapata
Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec 2020
RP
97
JS
97
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae is a powerful, high-altitude Malbec sourced from the iconic Adrianna Vineyard, renowned for its mineral complexity and structured elegance.
260,00 €
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Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay 2020
Catena Zapata
White Bones Chardonnay 2020
WS
95
RP
99
WE
94
White Bones Chardonnay 2020 is a singular expression of the Adrianna Vineyard, combining vibrant citrus and white fruit flavors with a profound minerality, showcasing Mendoza’s high-altitude terroir.
125,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2018
Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2018
Catena Zapata
Catena Alta Malbec 2018
WS
91
RP
93
WE
93
The Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2018 is an elegant, high-altitude expression of Malbec, offering a sophisticated depth that reflects Argentina's most historic vineyards.
49,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2021
Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2021
Catena Zapata
White Stones Chardonnay 2021
RP
98
WE
95
VN
97
Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2021 is a masterpiece of high-altitude winemaking, offering a vivid expression of Mendoza’s Adrianna Vineyard. This wine shines with its precision, elegance, and pure mineral character.
125,00 €
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