Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones

Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones

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
The 2022 Chardonnay Adrianna Vineyard White Stones hails from a cool and slightly dry vintage in the Uco Valley. Sourced from a small gravel and limestone plot in Gualtallary, it displays a green hue in the glass. Its aromas feature lime, green apple and herbs, with subtle notes of ginger and acacia. Dry, nimble and refreshing, the chalky texture enlivens the slightly lean palate, with a long-lasting, fruit-driven finish. A high-altitude wine, the 2022 growing season brought an extra layer of freshness to this Chardonnay. — Vinous, Nov 2024
“Produced in what Alejandro Vigil identifies as a “white wine year,” this is the latest in a run of delicious releases of White Stones. Fermented in older oak, it comes from selected rows within the Adrianna Vineyard. Subtle vanilla spice and petrichor aromas segue into a palate of oatmeal, gunflint and lemon butter and a bright, focused, effortlessly poised finish.” — Tim Atkin, MW, Jun 2024
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Vineyard & Production Info
Production area/appellation:
Gualtallary
Vineyard name
The Adrianna Vineyard (Block 1)
Soil composition
Stony
Training method
VSP
Elevation:
4,575 feet
Exposure:
Northwestern
Year vineyard planted:
1992
Harvest time:
March - April
Bottles produced of this wine:
6000
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Winemaking & Aging
Varietal composition:
100% Chardonnay
Fermentation container:
Barriques
Malolactic fermentation:
Yes
Type of aging container:
Barrels
Size of aging container:
225 L
Type of oak:
French
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Analytical Data
pH level:
3.15
Acidity:
7.85 g/L
Alcohol:
13 %
Residual sugar:
<1.8 g/L
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Wine Production

White Stones Chardonnay comes from a select 27 rows within Block 1 of the Adrianna Vineyard. The name refers to the gravelly ground beneath the vines, which is covered with white oval stones.

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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.