Catena Zapata Chardonnay White Bones 2022 vs Riesling, Spätlese, Eltville Collection, Eva Fricke, Rheingau, Germany 2024

Catena Zapata Chardonnay White Bones 2022

Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay 2022 is a profound and distinctive expression of high-altitude Chardonnay from one of the most celebrated vineyards in South America. Sourced from select rows within Block 1 of the Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary, this wine takes its name from the extraordinary soil beneath the vines, layered with calcareous deposits, limestone, and fossilised animal bones—remnants of an ancient riverbed. Grown at nearly 1,450 metres above sea level, the vineyard experiences intense sunlight, cool summer nights and dramatic day–night temperature shifts, resulting in a wine of striking aromatic intensity, tension and mineral precision. Floral notes and earthy minerality define both the nose and palate, producing a Chardonnay of exceptional purity, depth and longevity. Meet the Producer For more than four generations, the Catena family has cultivated vineyards in the foothills of the Andes in Mendoza, Argentina. Nicolás Catena Zapata’s relentless pursuit of excellence led him to identify and isolate the most exceptional parcels within the family’s estate vineyards. The Adrianna Vineyard, often referred to as the “Grand Cru of South America”, represents the pinnacle of this vision, with each parcel revealing the profound influence of soil, altitude and climate. Vineyard The Adrianna Vineyard is located in the Gualtallary District of the Tupungato Alto region in the Uco Valley. The White Bones parcel covers 2.2 hectares at an elevation of 1,450 metres. Its alluvial soils are rich in calcium carbonate and limestone, with fossilised bones embedded within the profile. These unique conditions are believed to influence root penetration and vine behaviour, contributing to the wine’s distinctive floral aromatics, saline minerality and remarkable structure. Production Following harvest, the juice undergoes cold settling for 10 to 24 hours at temperatures below 6°C to preserve and extract delicate aromatics. Fermentation is carried out usin