2019 Chardonnay Catena Alta
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Tasting notes
The textbook barrel-fermented 2019 Catena Alta Chardonnay was produced in 500-liter barrels with wild yeasts, and the élevage was in those same barrels with lees and lasted for 14 months. It has an expressive and characterful nose that combines notes of dry herbs, white flowers and fruit. It's elegant with good integration of the oak and has great freshness and very good acidity. 90,000 bottles were filled in May 2020.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Pressed in whole bunches, the 2019 Chardonnay Catena Alta combines grapes from Villa Bastías and Gualtallary, both in Tupungato. The mature perfume includes pear and apricot with herbal hints that soar over a beautifully deep layer of French oak in which the wine was fermented and spent 14 months. The butter and cream are held in check by the excellently judged acidic tension making this a velvety, delicate and refreshing white.
This is a serious white with dried apple, pineapple and white peach to the stone and honeysuckle character. Full-bodied, bright and fruity with a fascinating undertone of spice and cream. Drink or hold.
About the producer
Bodega Catena Zapata has been instrumental both in the development of fine wine production in Argentina and in realising the full potential of the Malbec grape.