Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Chardonnay 2021

The Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Chardonnay 2021 from Catena Zapata is one of Argentina’s most celebrated white wines, produced from the high-altitude Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary, Mendoza. The name "White Stones" refers to the stony, alluvial soils that dominate the vineyard, imparting a distinct minerality and freshness to the wine. Situated at nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, the vineyard’s cool climate and unique terroir result in a Chardonnay that balances ripe fruit with zesty acidity and flinty minerality. The 2021 vintage is a stunning example of precision winemaking, offering a powerful yet elegant wine.

Fermented and aged in French oak barrels, this Chardonnay sees minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard’s character to shine through. The wine is aged on its lees to develop texture, while indigenous yeasts contribute to its complexity.

Appearance: Pale gold with a slight green tint, reflecting its youth and vibrancy.

Aroma: Expressive and refined, with aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and white peach. There are distinct mineral notes of crushed stone and flint, alongside hints of white flowers and a touch of toasted almond from the oak aging. Subtle layers of wet stone, saline, and a whisper of smoke add complexity to the bouquet.

Taste: Medium-bodied, with a stunning interplay of vibrant acidity and creamy texture. The palate reveals flavours of lime, crisp pear, and nectarine, intertwined with a chalky, mineral backbone. There’s a refreshing salinity that gives the wine a maritime quality, and the oak aging adds delicate hints of brioche, hazelnut, and spice. The wine is precise and focused, with a finely tuned balance between fruit, acidity, and minerality.

Finish: Long and elegant, with lingering notes of citrus, crushed stones, and a touch of nuttiness. The finish is bright and clean, with a persistent minerality that leaves a lasting impression of finesse and complexity.

Pairings: Heirloom tomato with aged balsamic, stracciatella, fried mung bean sprouts, olive soil, and mojo verde. The wine’s acidity and minerality will elevate the freshness of the tomatoes and balance the creaminess of the stracciatella.

Baked scallops with smoked cerdito, chive, parsley, and fennel. The citrus and mineral qualities of the wine will enhance the delicate sweetness of the scallops and fennel, while its structure supports the richer, smoky notes.

Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Chardonnay 2021 is a refined and powerful Chardonnay that showcases the unique terroir of Mendoza’s high-altitude vineyards. Its combination of bright acidity, layered minerality, and creamy texture makes it perfect for pairing with seafood or rich vegetable dishes, and it will continue to evolve beautifully with further aging.