Description
Nicolás Catena Zapata planted the Adrianna vineyard in Gualtallary with a single goal in mind: to find the coolest location for growing vines in Mendoza.
Originally, viticulturists feared that Bordeaux varieties such as Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon would not ripen in Adrianna.
In terms of the Winkler classification, a method developed in California to add degrees and categorize regions according to their climate, the weather at Adrianna is between zone 1 and zone 2 depending on the year, putting it between Burgundy and a very cool part of Bordeaux.
Even so, no French woman would dare to plant Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec in Burgundy.
Yet that is exactly what the Catenas did in the high-altitude soils of Adrianna.
Nicolás planted the Adrianna Vineyard with Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay cuttings from France, and with Malbec taken from Lot 18 of his 75-year-old Angélica vineyard.
Over the next few years the wines consistently proved to have more minerality and more acidity than wines from other sites in the Southern Uco Valley at lower altitudes—sites such as Altamira, La Consulta and Eugenio Bustos.
The Adrianna Malbecs have more grip and denser tannins.
For over four generations, the Catena family has grown vines in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Mendoza, Argentina.
In his pursuit to make wines that stand with the best in the world, Nicolás Catena identified the best lots and rows, in the Catena family’s estate vineyards.
The Adrianna vineyard is located at almost 5,000’ elevation in the Gualtallary sub-district of the Tupungato region.
White Bones Chardonnay comes from select rows within Block 1 of the Adrianna Vineyard.
The name refers to the soil underneath these rows, which is layered with calcareous deposits and limestone as well as fossilized animal bones – remnants of a river that used to pass through the region.
There are many theories about why the grapes coming from these rows have such distinctive floral aromatics with an earthy minerality in the nose and palate.
It may be related to the minerals in the soil or to the effects that the calcareous deposits have on root penetration.
At this extreme high altitude, the nights are cool, only a few degrees above freezing even in the summer.
The night-day temperature difference is between 15 and 20 degrees.
And the sunlight is more intense because of the altitude.
The Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Chardonnay is a wine that exemplifies the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of the Catena family in Mendoza, Argentina.
With a legacy spanning over four generations, the Catena family has cultivated vines in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, harnessing the unique terroir to create wines of distinction.
On the nose, delicate aromas of mineral notes and white flowers greet the senses, offering a glimpse into the elegance that awaits.
This Chardonnay unfolds on the palate with finesse, revealing flavours of pear, apple and a subtle stony minerality.
The wine’s harmonious balance and refined structure create a truly captivating experience.
The Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Chardonnay 2021 is a testament to the vineyard’s high-altitude location and deep soils, which contribute to the wine’s remarkable freshness and optimal acidity.
These characteristics lend vibrancy and liveliness to the wine, enhancing its overall complexity and depth.
While enjoyable now, this Chardonnay has the potential to evolve beautifully with age.
It is recommended to allow the wine to mature gracefully for several years, allowing its flavors to further develop and integrate.
This patient approach will reward the discerning wine enthusiast with a truly memorable tasting experience.
A very mineral, flinty chardonnay full of wet stones, lime and some green fruit.
Austere and chalky on the medium-bodied palate, really transparent and elegant with super bright and beautifully integrated acidity.
Pure, linear and long.
– James Suckling, 98 Points.
The Finer Details Style – White Wine Varietal – Chardonnay Country – Argentina Region – Mendoza Vintage – 2021 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 12.5%
