Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones

Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones

Wine Description

Nicolás Catena dared to plant vines where no one thought they would ripen. His high-altitude wine revolution culminated in the discovery of a new terroir for wine, the Adrianna Vineyard, at almost 5,000 feet elevation. 

He discovered that the average temperature decreases with higher altitudes, and the diurnal range increases. The cooler climate at this extreme elevation preserves natural acidity and increases polyphenols, while the intense mountain sunlight strengthens the tannins, producing wines of incredible depth and complexity. The wines consistently prove to have more minerality and acidity than wines from other sites in the Southern Uco Valley at lower altitudes. 

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
Sourced from a parcel of the Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary, planted at 1,450 meters, the 2022 Chardonnay Adrianna Vineyard White Bones delivers a distinctive flavor. Crafted in a cool, sunny vintage, the chalky soils of Gualtallary lend a compact character to this high-altitude Chardonnay.  Yellow in hue, it opens with aromas of hops, ivy and pea shoots, accompanied by hints of mint, sage, ginger and lime.  Slightly concentrated, with vibrant energy and tension, it offers a blend of chalky texture, elevated acidity and a compact yet graceful palate. It lingers with long-lasting flavors and a subtly malic texture. This mountain white wine set a benchmark in 2009 and reaffirmed it in 2022. — Vinous, Nov 2024
This is always aromatic, exotic and idiosyncratic, with its enchanting aromas of green fruit, green curry, citrus, ash, green passion fruit and spearmint. Almost full-bodied on the palate with lots of mineral tension. Bright acidity quickly takes over, followed by a long, bone-dry finish that goes on and on. So pure, unique and thought-provoking. — James Suckling, Nov 2024
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Vineyard & Production Info
Production area/appellation:
Gualtallary
Vineyard name
The Adrianna Vineyard (Block 1)
Vineyard size
267 acres
Soil composition
Calcareous, Sand, and Stony
Training method
VSP
Elevation:
4,575 feet
Vines/acre:
2200
Yield/acre:
1.2 tons
Exposure:
Northwestern
Bottles produced of this wine:
4800
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Winemaking & Aging
Varietal composition:
100% Chardonnay
Maceration technique:
Battonage
Malolactic fermentation:
Yes
Size of aging container:
225L
Type of oak:
French
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Analytical Data
pH level:
3.2
Acidity:
8.2 g/L
Alcohol:
13 %
Residual sugar:
<1.8 g/L
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Wine Production

White Bones Chardonnay comes from select rows within Block 1 of the Adrianna Vineyard. The soil is layered with fossilized animal bones—remnants from a river that used to pass through the region. 

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About the Vineyard

Adrianna Vineyard is considered the most studied vineyard in the world. The Catena Institute of Wine has published 25 papers focused on micro-organisms, pollinators, birds, and native vegetation in prestigious peer-reviewed journals. A dedicated task force monitors energy consumption, weather stations map soils, 44 nesting crates provide habitats for native birds, and 39% of the vineyard land remains in virgin conditions.

Each of the Catena Zapata family vineyards is divided into parcels according to their soil composition. These parcels are farmed individually, with an eye on encouraging their most authentic fruit expression. The Adrianna Vineyard wines are Certified Organic by Letis.