Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2023

Region and Vineyards

Framed by the Andean foothills, the Uco Valley is defined by aridity, intense sunlight and wide diurnal shifts. High elevations slow sugar accumulation while preserving acids and aromatic detail—an ideal matrix for terroir-transparent Chardonnay. Within Uco, Gualtallary (Tupungato) is prized for alluvial, limestone-influenced profiles that yield wines of verticality, cool-toned fruit and marked mineral signatures.

White Bones originates from select rows in Block 1 of Adrianna Vineyard at ~4,575 ft (≈1,395 m) with north-west exposure. The surface is streaked with fossilized bones and calcareous sands/stones—remnants of an ancient riverbed—giving rapid drainage, modest vigor and a distinctive saline imprint. Vines are VSP-trained at low yields (≈1.2 tons/acre). The site is farmed parcel-by-parcel, certified organic, and forms part of the Catena Institute's long-running biodiversity and terroir studies.

Winemaking

This cuvée is 100% Chardonnay. Grapes are pressed as whole clusters; the must is cold-settled 10-24 hours at <6 °C to capture high-toned aromatics. Fermentation runs a prolonged 45-95 days in French oak barrels (~16 °C), favoring slow, detailed development and finely knit texture. Biological aging follows, layering subtle saline and savory complexity without muting the wine's linear profile.

Élevage lasts 12-16 months in 225 L French oak (second to fourth use) with measured bâtonnage; malolactic occurs (partially to fully, vintage-dependent) to harmonize edges while retaining cut. The 2023 technical metrics—13% alc., pH 3.15, TA 8.35 g/L, RS <1.8 g/L—underscore its taut, mineral drive. Production is limited to about 4,800 bottles, bottled without heavy fining/filtration to preserve site detail.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with green glints; brilliant and finely viscous.
• Aroma: Lime zest, pear and white peach intertwined with dill, green ginger, chamomile and crushed stone; hints of chalk and cool alpine herbs.
• Palate: Medium body with high, mouth-watering acidity; a silken, lees-borne mid-palate framed by chalky grip and saline snap; long, linear, mineral-saturated finish of riveting precision.

Did you know?

Adrianna Vineyard is often described as the most studied vineyard in the world: the Catena Institute has published 25+ peer-reviewed papers, installed 44 bird nesting boxes and preserved 39% of the estate in virgin condition—an uncommon biodiversity commitment in elite viticulture.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Seared scallops with lemon-brown butter: sweetness and beurre noisette echo subtle oak cream; saline drive heightens the dish.
• Roast chicken with morels: savory jus and umami align with lees texture; bright acidity refreshes.
• Sole meunière: nutty butter and almond notes mirror barrel nuances, while mineral tension keeps it taut.
• Goat's cheese and herb tart: tang and herbs dovetail with citrus-mineral precision and cool herbal lift.

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.