Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay 2023

Region and Vineyards

Perched at 1,450 m in the Gualtallary district of Tupungato, Adrianna Vineyard sits among the highest sites in Mendoza's Uco Valley. The intense Andean sunlight and wide diurnal swings (often 15-20 °C) slow sugar accumulation, preserve acidity and sharpen aromatics. White Bones comes from select rows in Block 1, where limestone and calcareous alluvium include fossilized animal bones—relics of an ancient river—imparting the vineyard's hallmark floral lift and emphatic mineral character.

Gualtallary is increasingly recognized for its high-altitude, limestone-rich soils that yield fresh, elegant whites with pronounced acidity and saline, chalk-etched textures. Investment and research—led notably by the Catena Institute at Adrianna—have mapped soils and microclimates in detail, underscoring the terroir's capacity for distinctive, ageworthy wines. The wines from these upper-Uco sites are typically lighter in body yet more tensile, a profile mirrored vividly in White Bones.

Winemaking

White Bones 2023 is 100% Chardonnay from the Adrianna Vineyard's White Bones parcel. After a brief cold settling of 10-24 hours at <6 °C to preserve aroma precursors, the must ferments spontaneously with wild yeasts, typically over 45-95 days. The cuvée is unfined and unfiltered, emphasizing clarity of site over polish.

Élevage spans 12-16 months in French oak using second, third and fourth-use barrels, alongside 500-litre foudres—wood as a vessel rather than a flavour engine. Portions undergo biological ageing (a delicate veil/"flor" influence), building savoury complexity without sacrificing line. The 2023 vintage lists alcohol at 12.5%, with pH 3.15 and total acidity 8.35 g/L, figures that explain the wine's rapier freshness and long, chalk-saline finish.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with green glints; brilliant clarity.
• Aroma: Lime zest, white flowers and green ginger layered over crushed stones; hints of dill, chalk dust and cool alpine herbs.
• Palate: Taut and focused; racy acidity drives citrus and white-peach fruit along a mineral, saline spine. Texture is silken yet tensile, finishing long with oyster-shell and chalk impressions.

Did you know?

The "White Bones" name references the fossilized animal bones interleaved within the parcel's limestone layers—evidence of an ancient riverbed beneath Adrianna. The vineyard has been intensively studied by the Catena Institute, with sustainability measures and organic certification informing its precision farming.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Lemon-and-dill poached salmon: Echoes the wine's citrus-herbal aromatics while its acidity lifts the richness of the fish.
• Goat's cheese crottin with honey and thyme: The saline, chalky cut cleanses the palate; herbal notes resonate with thyme.
• Tuna ceviche with lime and coriander: High acidity and mineral drive match citrusy marinades and delicate textures.
• Roast chicken with tarragon and oyster mushrooms: Subtle wood tones and umami from mushrooms mirror the wine's savoury, mineral undercurrent.

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.