Catena Alta Chardonnay

Wine Description

During the 1990’s, Bodega Catena Zapata set new standards for Argentine wine. In an effort to produce a super-premium wine, the winemaking team of Catena began in-depth investigation into the yields from specially selected, high altitude vineyards, identifying the individual lots that produce the best fruit.  These vines undergo a careful thinning process, leaving only a select few clusters, resulting in remarkably complex, aromatic and flavorful fruit.  Through the application of natural techniques, these grapes are transformed into Catena Alta. The Catena Alta Chardonnay is produced from two of the Catena family vineyards - Adrianna, at almost 5,000 feet elevation and Domingo, at 3,700 feet elevation. The Adrianna vineyard's pebble covered soil and cool climate are ideal for growing Chardonnay. The fruit from Adrianna has a purity of flavors and a minerality that is particular to this vineyard and cannot be found anywhere else in Mendoza. Meanwhile, the sandy loam soils of the Domingo vineyard contribute white stone fruit and good acid balance. This Chardonnay is 100% barrel fermented  in French oak with aggressive battonage. Dijon Clonal Selection.

Remington-Mendoza
Laura Catena sits at a table with a glass of wine
Malbec Grapes
Alejandro Vigil (Chief Winemaker) and Laura Catena Tasting
Malbec Clone in La Piramide Vineyard
Nicolás Catena
Bodega Catena Zapata
Bodega Catena Zapata
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Acclaim
“In 1995, Dr. Laura Catena, a busy emergency room physician and mother of three children, took up her father’s mission to elevate Argentine wine in the world. In 1997, she created Nicolás Catena Zapata, which became the first luxury cuvee from Argentina to be exported. Besides the signature Cabernet Sauvignon blend, she also makes an elevated Chardonnay, and this 2017 vintage is sourced from select rows in her family’s vineyard, which have been tended in her family for four generations.”
— Forbes, Jun 2021
“Of course, Malbec is Argentina’s flagship varietal, but it also produces other high quality wines. I’ve noticed that many of Mendoza’s most celebrated Malbec producers have a great affection and aptitude for Chardonnay. Catena Alta Chardonnay 2017 is a stellar sip. Crafted from Chardonnay grapes from 2 high-altitude vineyards, it is rich and juicy without sacrificing crispness.”
— Wine With Wanda, Dec 2020
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Vineyard & Production Info
Vineyard name
The Adrianna (Lot 1) and Domingo (Lot 7) Vineyards
Vineyard size
296 acres
Soil composition
Depending on vineyard - Sandy loam with calcareous layer, sandy limestone with clay, surface stones
Training method
VSP
Elevation:
3,675-4757 feet
Vines/acre:
2200
Yield/acre:
1.2 ton tons
Exposure:
Northwestern
Year vineyard planted:
1992
Harvest time:
March - April
First vintage of this wine:
1995
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Winemaking & Aging
Varietal composition:
100% Chardonnay
Fermentation container:
French oak barrels
Length of alcoholic fermentation:
50 days
Maceration technique:
Battonage
Malolactic fermentation:
Yes
Type of aging container:
Barriques
Size of aging container:
225 L
Type of oak:
French oak
Length of aging before bottling:
14 months
Age of Aging Container:
45% New
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Analytical Data
pH level:
3.2
Acidity:
6.75 g/L
Alcohol:
13.9 %
Residual sugar:
2.2 g/L