The Catena family has conducted extensive research into the soils and microclimates of Mendoza’s high altitude wine country in the foothills of the Andes mountains. At different altitudes, the family’s Chardonnay vineyards express a unique profile of aromas and flavors: the ripe tropical fruit flavors and rich texture of the La Pirámide vineyard (3,100’ elevation); the white stone fruit and citrus notes of the Domingo Vineyard (3,700’ elevation); the lively floral notes, strong mineral character and excellent acidity of the Adrianna vineyard (5,000’). The blend of these components creates a wine of unique character that has balance, concentration and a strong varietal identity.

Wine maker notes

winemaker's notes: The 2005 vintage of the Catena Chardonnay combines the unique expressions of three high altitude vineyard sites. The La Piramide vineyard offers rich pineapple, banana fruit flavors and aromas with a touch of sweet honey with a rich mouthfeel. The Domingo vineyard lends notes of citrus fruit with floral notes and excellent acidity. The Adrianna vineyard contributes apple, pear and fig flavors with a strong mineral component and vibrant acidity. The wine shows a light yellow color with marked greenish tones. The aromas show tropical fruit flavors with touches of apple and pear as well as hints of cinnamon and minerals. The mouthfeel is full yet clean, with fresh, crisp acidity.

Producer

Over the past 20 years, Nicolás and Laura Catena and their vineyard management team have worked tirelessly in the discovery, identification and development of key microclimates in the high altitude wine country of Mendoza, Argentina. Nicolás Catena has planted an almost countless number of varietals and clones throughout his mountain vineyard sites. This quest for quality lead Nicolás and Laura Catena to a crucial discovery regarding the influence of altitude on grape cultivation in Mendoza. Observing the important differences in soil types, average temperatures and thermal amplitudes that exist at varying altitudes, he found that vineyard sites which are just a few kilometers apart can have vast differences in altitude and possess remarkably different microclimates. Over the years, the in depth study of these different microclimates led Nicolás to determine that the same varietal, and even the same clone, presented distinct aromatic and flavor profiles when cultivated in each of these unique microclimates. Implementing the age old art of assemblage, he found that by blending these different lots of the same varietal, he could achieve a more complex wine.