Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay 2021

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 Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay 2021 is a truly exceptional white wine that showcases the mastery of the Catena family in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Mendoza, Argentina. With over four generations of winemaking expertise, the Catena family has crafted a Chardonnay that is sure to captivate the senses. On the nose, this Chardonnay reveals lively citrus notes and hints of white stone fruit, offering a tantalizing invitation to explore its flavors. The palate is a testament to the wine’s voluptuous nature, with intense flavors of pear, apple and subtle floral undertones. Each sip is a harmonious balance of fruit and elegance, leaving a lasting impression. The combination of deep soils and high altitude in the Adrianna Vineyard imparts a remarkable freshness to the wine, resulting in optimal acidity that adds vibrancy and liveliness to the overall profile. The careful craftsmanship and attention to detail in the winemaking process ensure that the Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay 2021 is a wine of exceptional quality and finesse. To fully appreciate the exquisite nuances and potential of this wine, it is recommended to allow it to age gracefully for several years. This aging process will allow the wine to develop further complexity, unveiling hidden layers of flavour and texture. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for the future, the Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay 2021 promises a truly memorable tasting experience. What an exotic, perfumed yet elegant nose here full of thyme, local herbs, green papaya, ginger and green curry. Lemon grass and lime zest. So fresh and elegant on the palate with a chalky texture to the centre-palate. Really transparent, subtle, quiet and long. A unique chardonnay from a cool and elegant vintage, but intense and idiosyncratic. Unique to the landscape. – James Suckling, 99 Points. The Finer Details Style – White Wine Varietal – Chardonnay Country – Argentina Region – Mendoza Vintage – 2021 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 12.5%