For over four generations, the Catena family has grown vines in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Mendoza, Argentina. In his pursuit to make wines that stand with the best in the world, Nicolás Catena identified the best lots, and rows, in the Catena family’s estate vineyards. White Stones Chardonnay comes from a select 27 rows within Block 1 of the Adrianna Vineyard. The name refers to the ground beneath the vines which is covered with gravel - oval white stones.

The Adrianna vineyard is located at almost 5,000’ elevation in the Gualtallary sub-district of the Tupungato region. The rocky soil prevents deep root growth and allows for ideal drainage conditions. These are very poor soils where the vines are constantly in conditions of stress. The cool nights allow for very slow ripening, optimal acid retention and low yields.

2022 was an exceptional year at Catena Zapata from every possible qualitative standpoint. Throughout Mendoza, both in the Primera Zona (closer to Mendoza city) and in the Uco Valley, the wines have optimal acidity, great concentration and ripeness of polyphenols, and just-right (not too high) alcohol levels.

Alejandro Vigil, Catena Zapata’s Head Winemaker says: “This is the best year that I have lived through.”

Yet, it was a roller coaster sort of year with two big frosts and a shorter time between the beginning and end of harvest, which required great dedication and endurance from all our staff at the vineyards and winery. Because weather patterns were so unpredictable, the 2022 vintage required deep knowledge of every region and vineyard. For example, the Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary was cooler than other years, whereas the temperatures in our Nicasia Vineyard, in Altamira (Southern Uco Valley) were higher than usual. There was less rain in general in the Uco Valley (which contributed to lower humidity and to two big frosts) but more rain in the East of Mendoza.

This wine pairs well with a variety of more full-flavored fish dishes especially shellfish like shrimp, crab, and lobster. For a special meal try this elegant Chardonnay with Grilled Langoustines with Beurre Blanc.