2024 Luca Chardonnay G-Lot

Luca is Laura Catena's private project. Laura has left her mark on the wine world and is often called 'the face of Argentine wine' because she has meant so much to the country. She recently presented her 100-year plan: "I want every collector in the world to have Nicolás Catena Zapata in their cellar – that is my dream."

Another dream of Laura Catena was the founding of Luca, named after her eldest son. With Luca, she aims to produce quality wines where the perfect terroir, low yields per hectare, and state-of-the-art winemaking are the keywords. Luca’s vineyards are situated at an altitude of 900 to 1,500 meters and are among the highest in Mendoza. Here, old vines can be found that, although they no longer produce much, maintain the high quality of the vineyard (and thus the wines). With this, she wants to showcase the best expression of each grape variety. In total, Luca has six grape varieties planted: Chardonnay, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.

The grapes for the Laura Catena Luca Chardonnay 'G-Lot' come from 'Gualtallary', a vineyard in Tupungato, Mendoza. With this, Laura Catena was the first to produce a Chardonnay from extreme altitude, namely 1,500 meters above sea level. The soil is rocky and calcareous, which provides a vibrant minerality in the taste. Fermentation takes place spontaneously, 80% in oak barrels and 20% in stainless steel tanks at very low temperatures. Subsequently, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation. This is done to slightly soften the acidity and give the wine a rounder, creamier mouthfeel. The Chardonnay then ages 'sur lie' for twelve months in oak barrels, 25% of which are new and the remainder second-year oak. In the glass, the wine has a lemon-yellow color. On the nose, aromas of lemon cream, white peach, baked pear, vanilla, and minerality. On the palate, wood aging comes to the fore with notes of toast, vanilla, and nutmeg, complemented by tropical fruit (pineapple, melon, and ripe apple). Delicious with dishes featuring sautéed mushrooms or butter sauce, such as pasta with mushroom cream sauce or pan-fried sole.

FUN FACT: The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to pick up the wine, you often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht with ample parking. Click here for our address.