{"product_id":"2022-bodegas-catena-zapata-alta-chardonnay","title":"2022 Bodegas Catena Zapata Alta Chardonnay","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 2022 Bodegas Catena Zapata Alta Chardonnay is a refined, high-altitude expression of Mendoza’s cooler terroirs, crafted in a style that nods to top white Burgundy. Sourced from some of Argentina’s most celebrated vineyards, it marries ripe New World fruit with Old World finesse and structure. This is a serious, ageworthy Chardonnay that showcases why Catena Zapata is considered a pioneer of premium Argentine wine on the world stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2022 Catena Alta Chardonnay shows a bright, pale gold color with subtle green reflections, signaling freshness and precision. The nose is layered and expressive, offering notes of ripe citrus, such as lemon curd and Meyer lemon, alongside white peach, pear, and hints of golden apple. Underneath the fruit you’ll find delicate floral tones, crushed stone, and well-integrated oak nuances of vanilla, toasted hazelnut, and a touch of brioche.\n\nOn the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied yet wonderfully balanced, with vibrant acidity cutting through the richness of the fruit. Flavors of citrus, orchard fruit, and white nectarines are framed by a fine mineral backbone and a creamy, textured mid-palate. The oak is polished and supportive rather than dominant, leading into a long, savory finish with lingering notes of citrus zest, subtle spice, and wet stone. While already approachable in its youth, this vintage has the structure and acidity to evolve gracefully over 5–8 years, developing more layered complexity and nuttier, honeyed nuances with time in bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Catena Alta Chardonnay is sourced primarily from high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza, notably the renowned Adrianna and Domingo vineyards in the Uco Valley, where elevations and cooler temperatures help preserve acidity and aromatic intensity. The soils here are stony, well-draining, and rich in calcium carbonate, contributing to the wine’s tension and mineral profile. Grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, with careful selection in the vineyard and winery to ensure only the finest clusters are used. The must is typically fermented in French oak barrels, with a portion undergoing malolactic fermentation to add texture and complexity. The wine is then aged on its lees, often with gentle bâtonnage, to build creaminess and depth while maintaining a clear sense of freshness and place.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Chardonnay is an excellent match for rich seafood dishes such as seared scallops, lobster with drawn butter, or pan-roasted salmon, as well as roasted chicken, turkey, or veal in creamy sauces. It also pairs beautifully with mushroom risotto, truffle-inflected dishes, and semi-soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or mild goat cheese. Serve at 10–12°C (50–54°F) to highlight its balance of fruit and minerality; slightly cooler for aperitif-style sipping, slightly warmer for more complex food pairings. Decanting is not essential but a brief 20–30 minutes in a carafe or in the glass can help the wine open up and reveal its full aromatic range.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFounded in 1902, Catena Zapata is one of Argentina’s most iconic and influential wineries, credited with elevating the country’s wines onto the global fine-wine stage. Under the leadership of Nicolás Catena and later his daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, the estate pioneered high-altitude viticulture in Mendoza, meticulously mapping and planting vineyards in cooler, elevated zones such as the Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary. Known worldwide for its benchmark Malbecs, Catena Zapata has also become a reference point for serious, terroir-driven Argentine Chardonnay. The Catena Alta range represents the winery’s commitment to selecting the best parcels from its top vineyards, and the Chardonnay stands as one of the leading white wines of the region, consistently earning strong critical acclaim.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Catena Zapata","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54251894866257,"sku":"GCW-ZAPA-22091808","price":28.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/2022_Bodegas_Catena_Zapata_Alta_Chardonnay.png?v=1783442162","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2022-bodegas-catena-zapata-alta-chardonnay","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}