Catena Zapata Catena Alta Chardonnay 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Mendoza region in Argentina is globally recognized for its high-altitude vineyards, which play a defining role in shaping the distinctive style of Catena wines. The Catena Alta Chardonnay 2022 is sourced from two estate vineyards: Adrianna Vineyard (planted in 1992 at 1,500 meters) and Domingo Vineyard (planted in 1992 at 1,120 meters). These plots represent the pinnacle of Catena's vineyard mapping, where only the finest rows are selected.

The Adrianna Vineyard, situated at nearly 5,000 feet, is covered with surface stones and layered with calcareous deposits. This site provides exceptional drainage and a cool microclimate, lending a pure, mineral-driven intensity to the fruit. The Domingo Vineyard, slightly lower in altitude, is characterized by sandy loam soils that bring notes of white stone fruit and contribute to balanced acidity. Together, these terroirs provide the structural backbone and aromatic complexity that define the Catena Alta style.

Winemaking

The Catena Alta Chardonnay 2022 is composed of 100% Chardonnay, sourced from Dijon clonal selections. After hand-harvesting, the grapes were fermented in French oak barrels over a long period of 50 days, encouraging layered development. To enhance texture, the wine underwent aggressive bâtonnage (lees stirring), giving depth and a creamy mouthfeel.

Full malolactic fermentation was carried out, softening acidity and integrating complexity. The wine matured for 14 months in French oak barriques (45% new), allowing subtle vanilla, toast, and spice notes to frame the bright fruit. Unfined and unfiltered, it preserves both authenticity and concentration, with the capacity to age gracefully for 10-20 years.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright straw-yellow with golden highlights.
• Aroma: Expressive aromas of ripe peach, pear, and apple, interlaced with citrus blossom, jasmine, and subtle oak-derived spice.
• Palate: Concentrated flavors of pear, apple, and apricot unfold with creamy texture and vibrant mineral tension. Crisp acidity and a long, layered finish reveal saline freshness and refined oak integration.

Did you know?

Catena Zapata was the first Argentine winery to release Chardonnay of this caliber from high-altitude vineyards, setting a new benchmark for South American white wines in the 1990s. The Alta range remains a symbol of precision viticulture, where vineyard mapping identifies individual rows—"sweet spots"—that deliver the purest expression of terroir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lobster with lemon butter: The wine's richness and acidity complement the sweetness of lobster and cut through the butter.
• Roast chicken with herbs: The herbal notes harmonize with Chardonnay's subtle floral and citrus profile.
• Mushroom risotto: The creamy texture of risotto mirrors the wine's lees character, while earthy flavors enhance its mineral edge.
• Comté or aged Manchego: Nutty cheeses highlight the wine's oak complexity and persistent finish.

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.