Mendoza IG Chardonnay Catena Alta 2022 Catena Zapata

What kind of wine it is

Catena Alta Chardonnay by Catena Zapata is a white wine made from pure Chardonnay, produced in Argentina with grapes sourced from the Adrianna and Domingo vineyards. The style is fresh and mineral-driven, with a defined aromatic profile and a persistent finish. The winemaking process involves pressing the grapes and fermenting at low temperatures in French oak barrels, followed by an extended maturation in oak; part of the wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation, thus retaining greater vibrancy alongside fruity and floral notes.

Where it comes from

The grapes come from the Adrianna and Domingo vineyards, located in Argentina’s Mendoza region, at an altitude between 1,120 and 1,450 meters above sea level. High-altitude viticulture contributes to a fresher expression and a marked mineral imprint in the glass. The naming of individual vineyards highlights their specific origin within Mendoza, positioning the wine as a terroir-driven Chardonnay focused on balance and aromatic clarity.

How it is made

After harvest, the Chardonnay grapes are pressed and the must ferments in French oak barrels at low temperatures to preserve aromatic purity. Once fermentation is complete, the wine ages in French oak for 14 months, gaining structure and complexity without losing vibrancy. The process includes differentiated management of malolactic fermentation, as a portion of the wine does not undergo it, which helps maintain precision and tension.

Tasting notes

In the glass, it displays a greenish hue with yellow highlights, luminous and clean. Aromas of exotic fruit, honey, citrus, and white flowers emerge on the nose, with a clear and layered aromatic profile. On the palate, the sip is fresh and mineral, with a taut progression supporting the persistent finish. Fermentation and aging in oak, combined with only partial malolactic fermentation, offer a balance between volume and flavor definition.

Food pairings

It pairs well with light risottos, vegetarian cuisine, and dishes based on white meats, where freshness and minerality keep the wine lively and cleanse the palate. It’s well suited to simple, delicate recipes where the aromatic component stays in the spotlight and the wine accompanies with balance, without weighing down its persistent finish.

When to serve it

This is a white wine to serve when you’re seeking a fresh and precise profile, combining aromatic vibrancy and mineral tension. It’s enjoyable in a range of gastronomic contexts, from vegetarian fare to white meats, holding a thread between bouquet and palate and finishing with persistence. Served nicely chilled, it enhances the notes of citrus and white flowers; the 14-month aging in French oak adds structure, making it suitable for savoring slowly at the table.