COLOUR
White
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2023
GRAPE
Chardonnay
PRODUCER
Bodega Y Viñedos Catena
REGION
Mendoza
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Medium - Long
Intensity
Mid - Pronounced
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Catena Alta Historic Rows Chardonnay is a pioneering high-altitude white wine from Bodega Catena Zapata in Mendoza, Argentina. Initiated by Nicolás Catena Zapata in the 1990s, the 'Alta' range represents a selection of historic rows from the family's estate vineyards, particularly the Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary and the Domingo Vineyard in Villa Bastías. These high-altitude sites, situated over 1,100 meters above sea level, benefit from intense sunlight and cool mountain nights, yielding Chardonnay with exceptional freshness, mineral drive, and structural complexity.
ALCOHOL
13.5%
AVG. PRICE
€30
STYLE
Classic
VEGAN
YES
SULPHITES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
10-12°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
The 'Alta' range is named after the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, which revolutionized Argentine winemaking in the late 20th century.
Fact 02
Sourced from historic rows in the Adrianna Vineyard, located at an extreme altitude of nearly 1,500 meters above sea level.
Fact 03
The 2023 vintage was marked by early frosts, resulting in lower yields but exceptional concentration and vibrant natural acidity.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The grapes are hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed. Fermentation takes place in French oak barrels (mostly used, with a small percentage of new oak) using wild yeasts. The wine undergoes partial malolactic fermentation to balance richness with vibrant acidity. It is aged for approximately 10 to 14 months in French oak barrels with regular lees stirring (bâtonnage) to enhance texture, complexity, and mouthfeel before bottling.
