Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay 2021

Catena Zapata’s Adrianna Vineyard is often referred to as the “Grand Cru” of South America, and the White Bones Chardonnay 2021 is a stunning example of the vineyard’s potential. Located at an altitude of nearly 5,000 feet in the Gualtallary sub-region of Mendoza, the Adrianna Vineyard’s cool climate and calcareous soils, rich in fossilized limestone (hence the name "White Bones"), give the wine its characteristic minerality and vibrant acidity. The 2021 vintage is an exceptional expression of Mendoza’s high-altitude Chardonnay, showcasing precision, depth, and complexity.

White Bones is made using minimal intervention winemaking, with fermentation in French oak barrels using indigenous yeasts and aging on the lees to add texture and richness while preserving the bright, mineral-driven profile.

Appearance: Pale gold with greenish tints, highlighting its youth and freshness.

Aroma: Intensely aromatic, with notes of lemon zest, green apple, and white peach, layered with complex aromas of wet stone, flint, and saline minerality. Subtle floral notes of jasmine and honeysuckle emerge, alongside delicate hints of hazelnut, brioche, and a touch of smoke from the oak aging.

Taste: Medium to full-bodied, the palate is electric with vibrant citrus intertwined with flavours of crisp green apple, pear, and a touch of ripe peach. The wine’s texture is rich and creamy, with layers of complexity coming from its lees aging, yet it retains a razor-sharp acidity that gives it incredible focus. There’s a distinct minerality, almost chalky, that adds depth and a saline, maritime quality. Notes of almond, white flowers, and a touch of spice from the oak round out the palate.

Finish: Long and mineral-driven, with lingering notes of citrus, saline, and a hint of toasted hazelnut. The finish is vibrant, with a refined tension between the wine’s acidity, fruit, and minerality, promising great aging potential.

Pairings: Baked scallops with smoked cerdito, chive, parsley, and fennel. The wine’s minerality and bright acidity will enhance the delicate scallops, while its richness complements the smoky pork and fennel.

Crab and Bug agnolotti with spinach, chili, dried shallot, and lemon butter sugo. The vibrant citrus and mineral notes of the wine will cut through the buttery richness of the sauce, while complementing the sweetness of the crab.

Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay 2021 is an exceptional, world-class Chardonnay that beautifully balances richness, minerality, and precision. It can be enjoyed now for its freshness and complexity but will also develop beautifully over the next decade, becoming even more layered and nuanced. A true masterpiece from Argentina’s finest vineyard.