Product Description
The Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Chardonnay 2022 is an extraordinary wine that showcases the unique terroir of the Adrianna Vineyard, located in the high-altitude Gualtallary sub-district of Mendoza, Argentina. This exceptional Chardonnay comes from a select 27 rows in the White Stones parcel, named for the oval white stones that cover the vineyard’s alluvial riverbed soils. These stony soils contribute to the wine's distinct minerality, with the rocky conditions stressing the vines to produce low yields and highly concentrated fruit. At almost 5,000 feet elevation, the vineyard experiences cool nights that encourage slow ripening, preserving the fruit's natural acidity and enhancing its complexity.
Crafted with precision, this wine undergoes fermentation in French oak barrels, where it spends 12-16 months aging in second, third, and fourth-use barrels. The result is a beautifully balanced Chardonnay with rich texture, vibrant acidity, and an elegant complexity. Its pure expression of the Adrianna Vineyard's unique conditions makes it a wine of rare depth, with a profile marked by citrus, floral notes, and a distinct mineral edge. This wine is an ideal reflection of Catena Zapata’s dedication to producing world-class wines from some of the most unique and carefully studied terroirs in Argentina.
Maker
The Catena Zapata family has been a pioneering force in Argentine winemaking for over four generations. Founded by Nicolás Catena Zapata, whose vision transformed Argentina's wine industry, the winery has become synonymous with exceptional quality and innovation. Recognized for his dedication to high-altitude viticulture, Nicolás Catena identified the unique potential of Mendoza’s diverse terroirs, including the Adrianna Vineyard, one of the highest and most studied vineyards in the world. The Catena family’s commitment to excellence is unwavering, and their wines are produced with the utmost care, from vineyard to bottle, ensuring each wine reflects the full potential of its terroir.
Nicolás Catena Zapata’s focus on producing wines that compete on the world stage has made the Catena Zapata brand a symbol of Argentina’s winemaking prowess. In partnership with the Catena Institute of Wine, which conducts ongoing research into the environmental and microbiological factors affecting grape production, Catena Zapata continues to push the boundaries of viticulture and winemaking in Argentina. With every vintage, they remain dedicated to making wines that are both expressive of the land and capable of standing the test of time.
The Vineyard (Adrianna Vineyard)
The Adrianna Vineyard is located in the Gualtallary sub-district of the Tupungato Alto region, within the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina, at an altitude of nearly 5,000 feet (1,450 meters). Known as South America's Grand Cru, this high-altitude vineyard is recognized for its exceptional terroir, which includes stony alluvial soils that provide optimal drainage and prevent deep root growth, resulting in concentrated fruit with remarkable intensity and complexity. These soils, rich in minerals, combined with the region’s cool nights, create the perfect conditions for slow ripening, which helps preserve acidity and build the aromatic and flavour profile that defines Adrianna wines.
The White Stones parcel of the Adrianna Vineyard, where this Chardonnay is sourced, is a particularly special site. The name "White Stones" refers to the oval white stones scattered across the vineyard floor, which add to the unique character of the soil. The parcel spans just 2.5 hectares, and the combination of poor, stony soils and high altitude creates a very challenging growing environment for the vines, resulting in low yields but exceptional fruit quality. The meticulous farming practices at the Adrianna Vineyard, coupled with the cutting-edge research conducted by the Catena Institute of Wine, make this vineyard one of the most studied and renowned in the world.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Bright Citrus and Floral Complexity
A fragrant bouquet of vibrant citrus notes—lemon zest, grapefruit, and lime—intertwined with delicate white floral aromas. Subtle hints of toasted almond and a mineral edge reminiscent of wet stones provide additional layers of complexity, making the wine both inviting and intriguing.
Palate
Rich, Textured, and Mineral-Driven
On the palate, this Chardonnay is full-bodied and textural, with flavors of ripe citrus fruits, green apple, and a touch of stone fruit. The wine’s natural acidity is beautifully balanced by a creamy mouthfeel, derived from its time spent in oak barrels and on lees. The mineral notes from the stony soils of the White Stones parcel add a distinctive freshness, while hints of hazelnut and vanilla provide depth and elegance.
Finish
Long and Lingering with Mineral Freshness
The finish is long and crisp, with lingering citrus and mineral notes that provide a refreshing, clean sensation. The wine’s acidity and minerality persist, leaving a lasting impression of balance and refinement.
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Argentina
Region - Mendoza
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%
