Catena, Catena Alta Chardonnay 2021

"The 2021 Chardonnay Catena Alta from Villa Bastías, Uco Valley was made with slightly botyric grapes aged for 12 months in a third new 500-liter barrels. Golden in color. The Sauterne-like aromas include ripe fruit, stewed apple and pleasant oaky notes. Sugary on the palate with freshness wrapped in a refined texture, the refined oaky flavors return at the back of the mouth."

 

 

About Winery: 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. Tasting Notes: The Catena Alta Chardonnay presents an intenese greenish-yellow color. The nose offers ripe white fruit aromas such as pears and peaches that are interwoven with delicate citrus and floral notes, such as Jasmine. The palate shows rich and concentrated ripe pear, apple and apricot flavors with a light note of minerality. The wine finishes long and complex with crisp, mineral acidity. Food Pairing: Lime marinated chicken, seafood.