Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay 2020

Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay 2020

 

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Catena Zapata
White Bones Chardonnay 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion :
  • Type : White
  • Style : Creamy Full Bodied White
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Chardonnay

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.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 99 2020
JS James Suckling 99 2020
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 96 2020
WS Wine Spectator 95 2020
WE Wine Enthusiast 94 2020
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Adrianna Vineyard, located in Gualtallary, is often referred to as the "Grand Cru of South America." Positioned at an altitude of 1,400 meters (4,575 feet), it benefits from intense sunlight during the day and cool nights, with temperature variations of 15–20°C, ensuring optimal ripening and preservation of acidity.

This vineyard is renowned for its calcareous soils, rich in limestone and fossilized animal and fish bones, remnants of an ancient riverbed. These unique soil characteristics contribute to the distinctive floral aromas and earthy minerality of the wine. Block 1, where White Bones Chardonnay is sourced, sits atop gravel-rich topsoil with thick layers of limestone below. The terroir's influence on the vines enhances root penetration and imparts remarkable complexity to the grapes.

Winemaking

The 2020 White Bones Chardonnay is made entirely from 100% Chardonnay grown in Block 1 of the Adrianna Vineyard. The grapes underwent cold settling at 6°C for 12 hours before fermentation in French oak barrels, lasting between 45 and 95 days at 16°C.

The wine underwent battonage (lees stirring) during aging, with approximately two-thirds undergoing malolactic fermentation, adding creaminess and complexity. It was then aged for 12-16 months in second, third, and fourth-use French oak barrels, allowing the wine to develop subtle oak nuances while retaining its vibrant fruit character.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Pale gold with greenish hues, brilliant and inviting.
  • Aroma: Bright citrus notes of lemon and lime, combined with white stone fruits like peach and pear, with subtle floral and mineral undertones.
  • Palate: A voluptuous and textured wine, featuring intense flavors of pear, apple, and hints of honeyed florals, leading to a long, clean finish marked by its profound minerality.

Did You Know?

The name White Bones originates from the fossilized remains found in the vineyard's calcareous soils, including ancient animal and fish bones. These unique deposits significantly influence the wine’s distinctive mineral character.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled scallops with lemon butter: The wine’s vibrant acidity and mineral finish beautifully complement the delicate sweetness of the scallops.
  • Roasted chicken with thyme and garlic: Its creamy texture and citrus notes enhance the savory flavors of the dish.
  • Goat cheese tart with caramelized onions: The wine’s minerality and floral undertones pair seamlessly with the richness of the tart.
  • Fresh oysters: The clean, crisp finish of the wine mirrors the briny freshness of the oysters.

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.

Robert Parker (RP) : 99 Points (2020)
The nose of the 2020 White Bones Chardonnay is an explosion of thyme and rockrose, aromatic, open, expressive, outspoken, showy and exuberant. It also has notes of white flowers and citrus, pine needles and incense, continuously developing new layers, curry, something smoky, more and more aromatic herbs, nuanced, complex and with a magnetic attraction that makes you go back to the glass over and over again. This was harvested all at the same time, whereas it was sometimes harvested over four different moments in the past; so this is a bit different and an extraordinary year for this wine, transcending the conditions of the year, with lower alcohol and pH (12.5% and 3.1) than the 2021, despite coming from a warmer year. This is very tasty and long, stony (more than White Stones!) and very persistent. Amazing juice! 5,760 bottles produced.

James Suckling (JS) : 99 Points (2020)
Fascinating nose of white lavender, lemon, pineapple, green apple, thyme, rosemary, sourdough, almond and oyster shell. It’s medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and a tense, spicy palate. So much flavor and fragrance. Incredibly expressive, with evolving layers of fresh fruit, spices, flowers and herbs. Drink or hold.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 96 Points (2020)
The 2020 Chardonnay Adrianna Vineyard White Bones from Gualtallary was aged for 16 months in used barrels. Green in the glass. The complex nose presents notes of ginger initially followed by hints of mint, green apple and iodine. The aging process helps to bring out the grape’s flavors. In the mouth, it’s compact with a taut, saline flow, creamy feel and finish in which the flor leaves a dry, cleansing sensation. An enticing wine. (JH) (8/2022)

Wine Spectator (WS) : 95 Points (2020)
Wildly expressive and distinctive, showing off a range of sage, savory and chive blossom aromas and flavors that join a vibrant core of grapefruit and white peach, with details of citrus-marinated Picholine olive and river stone weaving in and out. Beautifully elegant and complex, with great length on the crisp finish, where hints of crème fraîche chime in. Drink now through 2032.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 94 Points (2020)
This white comes from a plot within the famous Adrianna Vineyards in Gualtallary, Uco Valley. The soil profile includes calcareous layers, limestone and fossilized animal bones. It’s vibrant and delicate, opening with aromas of eucalyptus, wet stone, lime and almond. A dry and harmonious palate with mineral texture offers lime, kumquat, apricot, herbs, honey and hints of smoke that linger in the delicious finish.

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