# Catena Alta Historic Rows Chardonnay (2022)

- **Producer:** Bodega Y Viñedos Catena
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Mendoza, Argentina
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.8%
- **Average price:** €37
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, peach, lemon, pineapple, blossom, quince, fennel, brioche, cedar, pastry, hazelnut

## About this wine

Bodega Catena Zapata, founded in 1902, is renowned for pioneering high-altitude viticulture in Mendoza, Argentina. The Catena Alta Historic Rows Chardonnay represents micro-selections of historic rows within the family high-elevation estate vineyards in the Uco Valley: the Adrianna Vineyard at 1,450 meters elevation and the Domingo Vineyard at 1,120 meters. Blending these distinct micro-terroirs creates a highly aromatic, elegant expression reflecting Mendoza mountain viticulture.

## Interesting facts

- Grapes are sourced from historic rows in the Adrianna Vineyard planted at nearly 4,800 feet above sea level.
- Exactly 30% of the blend blocks malolactic fermentation to retain crisp, natural mountain acidity.
- Harvest occurs across several weeks based on soil composition differences between individual vineyard rows.

## Food pairing

This high-altitude Chardonnay offers a rich, creamy oak texture balanced by vibrant acidity. Dishes featuring brown butter, poultry, or rich seafood harmonize with its weight, while its bright acidity cleanses the palate.

## Wine making process

Whole clusters are gently pressed and 100% fermented in 500-liter French oak barrels using native yeasts over 12 to 24 days. To preserve natural crisp acidity and tension, 30% of the wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged for 10 to 14 months on its lees in French oak barrels with low-regime batonnage, then bottled unfined and unfiltered.