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2021 Bodegas Catena Zapata Alta Chardonnay
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | |
| Appellation | |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Grape | |
| Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (13.5%) |
| Drink window | 2023 - 2027 |
28.45
Excl. Tax:
23.51
Excl. Tax:
Excl. Tax:
- Buy 6 for 26.50 21.90 each and save 7%
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Description
The Catena Alta Chardonnay comes from the Adrianna and Domingo vineyards at an altitude of 1,120 meters and this also explains the name Alta. The large difference between day and night temperatures makes this Catena Alta Chardonnay a very complex and perfectly balanced wine (fruit and acid). The calcareous soils and the cool climate and the Andes mountains with their 5000 meter high mountains provide the promised land for the Chardonnay grape. The purity and minerality of the Catena Zapata Alta Chardonnay is unique in its kind and cannot be found anywhere else (not even in Mendoza).
In the glass, the Zapata Alta Chardonnay has a beautiful golden color. It has beautiful tropical notes and beautiful, beautifully integrated oak (the wine was aged for 14 months in French oak). The unique thing about this chardonnay is the honey/aromatic notes because around 5% of grapes are used that have already developed botrytis. Rich and concentrated taste of ripe pear, apple and apricot, spiced with some nutmeg. The taste is medium-bodied and round, with a pleasantly bitter aftertaste. Exuberant, unique and beautiful.
Bodega Catena Zapata is seen as the flagship of Argentina's wineries. Robert Parker's statement says a lot: 'when all is said and done, Catena Zapata is the Argentina winery of reference, the standard of excellence' - 91+/100 Parker
Specifications
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | Mendoza |
| Appellation | Valle de Uco |
| Winery | Catena Zapata |
| Grape | Chardonnay |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Drinking as of | 2023 |
| Drinking till | 2027 |
| Alcohol % | 13.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Promotion | Tier Price |
| Parker rating | 92 |
| Tasting Profiles | Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Rijk, Rond, Vol, Wit fruit |
| Drink moments | Barbecue, Cadeau!, Lekker luxe, Met vrienden, Open haard, Romantisch |
Professional Reviews
Parker
92
The Wine Advocate
RP 91+
Reviewed by:
Luis Gutiérrez
Release Price:
$20
Drink Date:
2022 - 2026
The 2021 Catena Chardonnay is vibrant and harmonious, with great balance and freshness, varietal with elegant and shy aromas of white flowers and a long, dry finish with purity of flavors, unnoticeable oak and very good overall balance.
Some of the vineyards from Catena are suffering from phylloxera, and parts of some vineyards have to be grubbed up and replanted.
Published: Nov 30, 2022
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Bodega Catena Zapata ranks among the absolute top of the Argentine wine world. This family estate from Mendoza, founded in 1902, sparked a revolution in South American viticulture. Through high-altitude pioneering and an uncompromising focus on quality, Catena Zapata not only put the Malbec grape on the map, but also helped establish Argentina’s reputation as a serious wine-producing nation. In this article, you’ll learn more about the impressive history, the iconic wines, and the innovative character of this leading winery.
Bodega Catena Zapata: Iconic Winery from Mendoza
Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina’s most influential wineries and plays a key role in shaping the global reputation of Argentine fine wine. The winery was founded in 1902 by Nicola Catena, an Italian immigrant who sought his fortune in Mendoza. He planted his first vineyard with the Malbec grape, which was then still an unknown variety in Argentina.
His son, Domingo Catena, carried on his father’s dream and became one of Mendoza’s largest vineyard owners. However, the family business also faced adversity: in the 1960s, Argentina was hit by economic instability and sky-high inflation.
Nicolás Catena: The Man Who Reinvented Argentine Wine
The young Nicolás Catena, freshly graduated as an economist, took over the business in the mid-1960s. At a time when Argentina was mainly known for bulk wine production, Nicolás made the bold decision to focus on quality. Against all odds, he sold off the table wine-producing part of the family business and retained only Bodegas Esmeralda, the foundation for high-quality wines.
His vision was revolutionary: Argentina had to leverage the quality of its terroir to compete at the highest international level. He began replanting Malbec and Chardonnay at high altitudes, including in Gualtallary, a subregion in the Uco Valley located over 1,500 meters above sea level. While many believed Malbec would never ripen at that altitude, Catena proved otherwise.
Malbec as an Argentine Icon
The Malbec grape is now inseparably linked to Argentina — largely thanks to Nicolás Catena. In 1994, he released his first Catena Malbec, made from old vines in the Adrianna Vineyard. This vineyard turned out to be of exceptional quality and helped elevate the global reputation of Malbec.
Catena even planted 145 different Malbec clones and rigorously tested their suitability. Ultimately, he selected the best clones for his top-tier wines, including those from the La Pirámide vineyard.
Laura Catena: Science Meets Winemaking
In 2001, Nicolás handed over the R&D project to his daughter Laura Catena, a medical doctor with degrees from Harvard and Stanford. Her scientific background brought a new dimension to the winemaking process. Together with her team, she focused on the extreme microclimates of the high-altitude vineyards, which led to unique expressions of Malbec.
In 2004, the decision was made to ferment the grapes from these vineyards directly in new French oak barrels. This resulted in three groundbreaking Malbecs that today stand as symbols of the winery’s innovative power.
The Wines of Catena Zapata: Five Distinct Lines
The winery produces five wine lines, each with its own character and level of quality:
- Catena Zapata: The flagship cuvées, made only in exceptional vintages.
- Catena Alta: Wines from the best parcels of high-altitude vineyards.
- Catena: The core line, balancing elegance and typicity.
- Alamos: Accessible wines with excellent value for money.
- Argento: The most commercial line, aimed at a broader market (Note: this line was later spun off and is no longer directly part of Catena Zapata).
All of these wines come from vineyards located at 900 meters or higher, clearly emphasizing Catena Zapata’s commitment to terroir and elevation.
Innovation, Vision, and Terroir at Catena Zapata
Catena Zapata is a textbook example of how vision, perseverance, and innovation can lead to international acclaim. From the first Malbec plantings in 1902 to Laura Catena’s cutting-edge vinification methods, the winery continues to evolve without losing sight of its roots.
The iconic winery building, shaped like a Mayan pyramid and designed in the 1990s, symbolizes the connection between past and future. It serves as the physical and philosophical heart of the estate.
Buying Wines from Bodega Catena Zapata at Grandcruwijnen?
At Grandcruwijnen, we offer a wide selection of Catena wines. Whether you're looking for an approachable Alamos Malbec or an impressive Catena Alta Chardonnay, you'll find it in our assortment. Order easily online or pick up your wines at our pickup center in Dordrecht. Our sommeliers are happy to advise you on the best food pairings for your favorite Catena wines.
The Catena Alta Chardonnay comes from the Adrianna and Domingo vineyards at an altitude of 1,120 meters and this also explains the name Alta. The large difference between day and night temperatures makes this Catena Alta Chardonnay a very complex and perfectly balanced wine (fruit and acid). The calcareous soils and the cool climate and the Andes mountains with their 5000 meter high mountains provide the promised land for the Chardonnay grape. The purity and minerality of the Catena Zapata Alta Chardonnay is unique in its kind and cannot be found anywhere else (not even in Mendoza).
In the glass, the Zapata Alta Chardonnay has a beautiful golden color. It has beautiful tropical notes and beautiful, beautifully integrated oak (the wine was aged for 14 months in French oak). The unique thing about this chardonnay is the honey/aromatic notes because around 5% of grapes are used that have already developed botrytis. Rich and concentrated taste of ripe pear, apple and apricot, spiced with some nutmeg. The taste is medium-bodied and round, with a pleasantly bitter aftertaste. Exuberant, unique and beautiful.
Bodega Catena Zapata is seen as the flagship of Argentina's wineries. Robert Parker's statement says a lot: 'when all is said and done, Catena Zapata is the Argentina winery of reference, the standard of excellence' - 91+/100 Parker
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | Mendoza |
| Appellation | Valle de Uco |
| Winery | Catena Zapata |
| Grape | Chardonnay |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Drinking as of | 2023 |
| Drinking till | 2027 |
| Alcohol % | 13.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Promotion | Tier Price |
| Parker rating | 92 |
| Tasting Profiles | Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Rijk, Rond, Vol, Wit fruit |
| Drink moments | Barbecue, Cadeau!, Lekker luxe, Met vrienden, Open haard, Romantisch |
Parker
92
The Wine Advocate
RP 91+
Reviewed by:
Luis Gutiérrez
Release Price:
$20
Drink Date:
2022 - 2026
The 2021 Catena Chardonnay is vibrant and harmonious, with great balance and freshness, varietal with elegant and shy aromas of white flowers and a long, dry finish with purity of flavors, unnoticeable oak and very good overall balance.
Some of the vineyards from Catena are suffering from phylloxera, and parts of some vineyards have to be grubbed up and replanted.
Published: Nov 30, 2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Bodega Catena Zapata ranks among the absolute top of the Argentine wine world. This family estate from Mendoza, founded in 1902, sparked a revolution in South American viticulture. Through high-altitude pioneering and an uncompromising focus on quality, Catena Zapata not only put the Malbec grape on the map, but also helped establish Argentina’s reputation as a serious wine-producing nation. In this article, you’ll learn more about the impressive history, the iconic wines, and the innovative character of this leading winery.
Bodega Catena Zapata: Iconic Winery from Mendoza
Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina’s most influential wineries and plays a key role in shaping the global reputation of Argentine fine wine. The winery was founded in 1902 by Nicola Catena, an Italian immigrant who sought his fortune in Mendoza. He planted his first vineyard with the Malbec grape, which was then still an unknown variety in Argentina.
His son, Domingo Catena, carried on his father’s dream and became one of Mendoza’s largest vineyard owners. However, the family business also faced adversity: in the 1960s, Argentina was hit by economic instability and sky-high inflation.
Nicolás Catena: The Man Who Reinvented Argentine Wine
The young Nicolás Catena, freshly graduated as an economist, took over the business in the mid-1960s. At a time when Argentina was mainly known for bulk wine production, Nicolás made the bold decision to focus on quality. Against all odds, he sold off the table wine-producing part of the family business and retained only Bodegas Esmeralda, the foundation for high-quality wines.
His vision was revolutionary: Argentina had to leverage the quality of its terroir to compete at the highest international level. He began replanting Malbec and Chardonnay at high altitudes, including in Gualtallary, a subregion in the Uco Valley located over 1,500 meters above sea level. While many believed Malbec would never ripen at that altitude, Catena proved otherwise.
Malbec as an Argentine Icon
The Malbec grape is now inseparably linked to Argentina — largely thanks to Nicolás Catena. In 1994, he released his first Catena Malbec, made from old vines in the Adrianna Vineyard. This vineyard turned out to be of exceptional quality and helped elevate the global reputation of Malbec.
Catena even planted 145 different Malbec clones and rigorously tested their suitability. Ultimately, he selected the best clones for his top-tier wines, including those from the La Pirámide vineyard.
Laura Catena: Science Meets Winemaking
In 2001, Nicolás handed over the R&D project to his daughter Laura Catena, a medical doctor with degrees from Harvard and Stanford. Her scientific background brought a new dimension to the winemaking process. Together with her team, she focused on the extreme microclimates of the high-altitude vineyards, which led to unique expressions of Malbec.
In 2004, the decision was made to ferment the grapes from these vineyards directly in new French oak barrels. This resulted in three groundbreaking Malbecs that today stand as symbols of the winery’s innovative power.
The Wines of Catena Zapata: Five Distinct Lines
The winery produces five wine lines, each with its own character and level of quality:
- Catena Zapata: The flagship cuvées, made only in exceptional vintages.
- Catena Alta: Wines from the best parcels of high-altitude vineyards.
- Catena: The core line, balancing elegance and typicity.
- Alamos: Accessible wines with excellent value for money.
- Argento: The most commercial line, aimed at a broader market (Note: this line was later spun off and is no longer directly part of Catena Zapata).
All of these wines come from vineyards located at 900 meters or higher, clearly emphasizing Catena Zapata’s commitment to terroir and elevation.
Innovation, Vision, and Terroir at Catena Zapata
Catena Zapata is a textbook example of how vision, perseverance, and innovation can lead to international acclaim. From the first Malbec plantings in 1902 to Laura Catena’s cutting-edge vinification methods, the winery continues to evolve without losing sight of its roots.
The iconic winery building, shaped like a Mayan pyramid and designed in the 1990s, symbolizes the connection between past and future. It serves as the physical and philosophical heart of the estate.
Buying Wines from Bodega Catena Zapata at Grandcruwijnen?
At Grandcruwijnen, we offer a wide selection of Catena wines. Whether you're looking for an approachable Alamos Malbec or an impressive Catena Alta Chardonnay, you'll find it in our assortment. Order easily online or pick up your wines at our pickup center in Dordrecht. Our sommeliers are happy to advise you on the best food pairings for your favorite Catena wines.