Catena Zapata 'Catena Alta' Chardonnay 2022

From the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza’s Uco Valley comes the Catena Zapata 'Catena Alta' Chardonnay 2022, a refined white wine shaped by Argentina’s mountain terroir. Grown at elevations reaching nearly 5,000 feet in the Adrianna Vineyard, this Chardonnay benefits from cool Andean breezes, calcareous soils, and intense sunlight, resulting in grapes with exceptional purity and structure. Complemented by fruit from the gravel-rich Domingo Vineyard, this wine captures the unique minerality and energy of its origins.

Crafted from 100% Chardonnay, the wine undergoes fermentation in 500-liter French oak barrels using wild yeasts, with 30% of the batch skipping malolactic fermentation to preserve its natural vibrancy. Aged for 14 months on the lees in a mix of new and used oak, the result is a layered expression of ripe pear, white flowers, and citrus zest, framed by elegant oak, subtle spice, and a long, mineral-driven finish. The alcohol content rests at 13.7%, with crisp acidity that keeps the palate refreshed and poised.

Best served lightly chilled, this wine shines with grilled seafood, roasted poultry, or creamy cheeses. Whether sipped as a contemplative pour or poured for a sophisticated pairing, the Catena Alta Chardonnay offers a snapshot of high-altitude Mendoza winemaking at its finest—refined, expressive, and unmistakably rooted in place.