2022 Bodegas Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | |
| Appellation | Mendoza (Appellation) |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Grape | |
| Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (12.5%) |
| Drink window | 2024 - 2034 |
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Description
The White Bones Chardonnay comes from the famous Adrianna vineyard of Catena Zapata. The vineyard is located at high altitude in a cool climate. The White Bones Chardonnay vines are located on a terroir of sandy soil layered with chalk deposits and limestone. Fossilized animal bones can be found under the limestone and remains of old rivers, hence the name White Bones. The wine is harvested in 5 different phases and this gives the wine an enormous good balance. The wine has a great freshness with beautiful notes of honey, pear, minerals and is one of the most complex white Chardonnay wines we have tasted. Lots of depth, different layers with a sizzling, somewhat salty aftertaste. Only 6000 bottles of this were made. This great white wine can be drunk young or can be stored for many years (Catena itself speaks of decades). The 2022 has received the maximum score of 100/100 points from Suckling.
Bodega Catena Zapata is considered the flagship of the wineries in Argentina. 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'.
FACT: The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will also receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you choose Pick up in Checkout page. We are located almost next to the Rijksweg with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.
Specifications
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | Mendoza |
| Appellation | Mendoza (Appellation) |
| Icons | Icon South America |
| Winery | Catena Zapata |
| Grape | Chardonnay |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Drinking as of | 2024 |
| Drinking till | 2034 |
| Alcohol % | 12.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 99 |
| James Suckling rating | 100 |
| Vinous rating | 98 |
| Tasting Profiles | Complex, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Rijk, Rond, Vol, Wit fruit |
| Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 98+
Reviewed by:
Luis Gutiérrez
Release Price:
$140
Drink Date:
2023 - 2031
The 2021 White Bones Chardonnay was harvested at two different points of ripeness and then blended into the final wine, which is subtler than the explosive 2020 I tasted next to it but with the same palette of aromas—thyme, rosemary, lavender, rockrose, white flowers, citrus, pine needles, incense, curry and spices—and the palate is seamless, mineral and with a chalky texture. It's brilliant and expresses the variety, vintage and soil perfectly, but today I give the edge to the 2020, which I think transcends the vintage. 6,240 bottles produced.
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...
James Suckling
Catena Zapata Chardonnay Mendoza Adrianna Vineyard White Bones 2022
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
CountryArgentina
RegionMendoza
Vintage2022
CHECK PRICE
DOWNLOAD SHELFTALKER
Score
100
This is always aromatic, exotic and idiosyncratic, with its enchanting aromas of green fruit, green curry, citrus, ash, green passion fruit and spearmint. Almost full-bodied on the palate with lots of mineral tension. Bright acidity quickly takes over, followed by a long, bone-dry finish that goes on and on. So pure, unique and thought-provoking. Drink or hold.
Zekun Shuai
Senior Editor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
98
Drinking Window
2023 - 2033
From: The Age of Mountain Whites: Enjoying the Altitude (Jul 2023)
The 2021 Chardonnay Adrianna Vineyard White Bones hails from Gualtallary, Uco Valley. It was aged for up to 16 months in used French barrels. An alluring yellow hue with a greenish sheen. The cool year imparted a distinctive, complex character featuring herbal aromas enriched by hop, sage, and thyme alongside hints of curry and acacia over a delicate layer of rose before late-developing pear and green apple notes. The palate has a lean, focused character, with a chalky texture and electric, saline energy enhancing the refreshing mouthfeel. A truly outstanding mountain Chardonnay.
- By JoaquÃn Hidalgo on July 2023
If there’s a single winery that embodies the international expansion of Argentine wine, it’s Catena Zapata. In the 1980s, the third generation of the family, led by Nicolás Catena Zapata, set out to make a name for themselves in markets outside of Argentina, where the family winery had grown to be one of the biggest in the 1970s. After selling off their mass-market brands, Nicolás Catena Zapata focused on building a portfolio of wines to compete with the best in the world. He thus embarked upon a vineyard planting program higher up in the mountains in search of cooler climates: firstly in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, with the La Pirámide vineyard, then in Villa BastÃas with Domingo and Gualtallary with Adrianna, both in Tupungato and subsequently in Paraje Altamira with Nicasia, to mention the most famous. Today, Laura Catena, Nicolás' daughter, serves as the most prominent figurehead of the winery. She leads a distinguished team of experts, including Alejandro Vigil and his team at the winery, as well as Fernando Buscema and his team at the Catena Institute of Wine. With Laura Catena's overall management, these teams collaborate with a science-driven approach, creating Parcel Wines such as the Chardonnays White Bones and White Stones. These wines were initially crafted in 2006, and starting from 2012, they have established a benchmark standard for high-altitude Chardonnays in Argentina, both in terms of style and price. Each wine is produced from a distinct soil plot in the Adrianna Vineyard, marking a significant turning point in Argentina's white wine landscape. In the upcoming years, we will taste a bunch of new whites hailing from upper vineyards in the Uco Valley.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
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Wijnhuis
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 White Bones Chardonnay comes from the famous Adrianna vineyard of Catena Zapata. The vineyard is located at high altitude in a cool climate. The White Bones Chardonnay vines are located on a terroir of sandy soil layered with chalk deposits and limestone. Fossilized animal bones can be found under the limestone and remains of old rivers, hence the name White Bones. The wine is harvested in 5 different phases and this gives the wine an enormous good balance. The wine has a great freshness with beautiful notes of honey, pear, minerals and is one of the most complex white Chardonnay wines we have tasted. Lots of depth, different layers with a sizzling, somewhat salty aftertaste. Only 6000 bottles of this were made. This great white wine can be drunk young or can be stored for many years (Catena itself speaks of decades). The 2022 has received the maximum score of 100/100 points from Suckling.
Bodega Catena Zapata is considered the flagship of the wineries in Argentina. 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'.
FACT: The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will also receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you choose Pick up in Checkout page. We are located almost next to the Rijksweg with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | Mendoza |
| Appellation | Mendoza (Appellation) |
| Icons | Icon South America |
| Winery | Catena Zapata |
| Grape | Chardonnay |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Drinking as of | 2024 |
| Drinking till | 2034 |
| Alcohol % | 12.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 99 |
| James Suckling rating | 100 |
| Vinous rating | 98 |
| Tasting Profiles | Complex, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Rijk, Rond, Vol, Wit fruit |
| Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard |
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 98+
Reviewed by:
Luis Gutiérrez
Release Price:
$140
Drink Date:
2023 - 2031
The 2021 White Bones Chardonnay was harvested at two different points of ripeness and then blended into the final wine, which is subtler than the explosive 2020 I tasted next to it but with the same palette of aromas—thyme, rosemary, lavender, rockrose, white flowers, citrus, pine needles, incense, curry and spices—and the palate is seamless, mineral and with a chalky texture. It's brilliant and expresses the variety, vintage and soil perfectly, but today I give the edge to the 2020, which I think transcends the vintage. 6,240 bottles produced.
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...
James Suckling
Catena Zapata Chardonnay Mendoza Adrianna Vineyard White Bones 2022
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
CountryArgentina
RegionMendoza
Vintage2022
CHECK PRICE
DOWNLOAD SHELFTALKER
Score
100
This is always aromatic, exotic and idiosyncratic, with its enchanting aromas of green fruit, green curry, citrus, ash, green passion fruit and spearmint. Almost full-bodied on the palate with lots of mineral tension. Bright acidity quickly takes over, followed by a long, bone-dry finish that goes on and on. So pure, unique and thought-provoking. Drink or hold.
Zekun Shuai
Senior Editor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
98
Drinking Window
2023 - 2033
From: The Age of Mountain Whites: Enjoying the Altitude (Jul 2023)
The 2021 Chardonnay Adrianna Vineyard White Bones hails from Gualtallary, Uco Valley. It was aged for up to 16 months in used French barrels. An alluring yellow hue with a greenish sheen. The cool year imparted a distinctive, complex character featuring herbal aromas enriched by hop, sage, and thyme alongside hints of curry and acacia over a delicate layer of rose before late-developing pear and green apple notes. The palate has a lean, focused character, with a chalky texture and electric, saline energy enhancing the refreshing mouthfeel. A truly outstanding mountain Chardonnay.
- By JoaquÃn Hidalgo on July 2023
If there’s a single winery that embodies the international expansion of Argentine wine, it’s Catena Zapata. In the 1980s, the third generation of the family, led by Nicolás Catena Zapata, set out to make a name for themselves in markets outside of Argentina, where the family winery had grown to be one of the biggest in the 1970s. After selling off their mass-market brands, Nicolás Catena Zapata focused on building a portfolio of wines to compete with the best in the world. He thus embarked upon a vineyard planting program higher up in the mountains in search of cooler climates: firstly in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, with the La Pirámide vineyard, then in Villa BastÃas with Domingo and Gualtallary with Adrianna, both in Tupungato and subsequently in Paraje Altamira with Nicasia, to mention the most famous. Today, Laura Catena, Nicolás' daughter, serves as the most prominent figurehead of the winery. She leads a distinguished team of experts, including Alejandro Vigil and his team at the winery, as well as Fernando Buscema and his team at the Catena Institute of Wine. With Laura Catena's overall management, these teams collaborate with a science-driven approach, creating Parcel Wines such as the Chardonnays White Bones and White Stones. These wines were initially crafted in 2006, and starting from 2012, they have established a benchmark standard for high-altitude Chardonnays in Argentina, both in terms of style and price. Each wine is produced from a distinct soil plot in the Adrianna Vineyard, marking a significant turning point in Argentina's white wine landscape. In the upcoming years, we will taste a bunch of new whites hailing from upper vineyards in the Uco Valley.
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.
