- Last updated on March 24, 2023
Welcome! This is our Catena Alta Chardonnay review.
Catena Alta Chardonnay is a stunning white wine produced by Bodega Catena Zapata in the Mendoza region of Argentina.
This wine is crafted using only the finest handpicked grapes from the high-altitude vineyards of Tupungato and Gualtallary, and it is fermented and aged in French oak barrels for over a year.
The result is a complex and elegant wine that showcases the unique terroir of the region and the skill of the winemaker.
Find below our Catena Alta Chardonnay full review along with our food pairings recommendations, serving tips, curiosity, and where you can buy it.
Let’s begin!
Our Catena Alta Chardonnay Review
- Brand: Bodega Catena Zapata
- Grape Varietal:Â Chardonnay
- Region:Â Argentina, Mendoza
- Tasting Notes: Ripe Pear & Peach fruit notes
- Glass & Serving: Chardonnay / 45-50 °F (7-10 °C) / Don’t decantÂ
- Store: Up to 3-5 Years
- Price Range: ~$30-$40
- Bottle Size: 750 ml
Catena Alta Chardonnay review: What's its color?
Catena Alta Chardonnay has a bright, golden color with a slight green hue.Â
When swirled, it forms thick, slow legs that indicate its richness and concentration.
If you want to know more about how to taste wine and the lingo that goes with it, check out this article: How To Taste Wine Like a Pro in 4 Steps.
Catena Alta Chardonnay taste like?
Catena Alta Chardonnay is entirely made from Chardonnay grapes and aged 14 months in French oak barrels.
On the nose, it offers a complex and layered bouquet of aromas.
The initial notes are of ripe pear, peach, and tropical fruit, followed by hints of vanilla and toast from the French oak barrels.
There are also subtle floral and mineral notes that add to the wine’s complexity.
On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied, with a creamy texture and a vibrant acidity.
The flavors are intense and persistent, with a perfect balance between the fruit and the oak.
The wine is complex and layered, with notes of ripe pear, peach, and tropical fruit, complemented by hints of vanilla and toast from the oak barrels.
The finish is long and satisfying, with a pleasant minerality that lingers on the tongue.
Is Catena Alta Chardonnay wine sweet?
No, it’s not sweet. Catena Alta Chardonnay wine is a dry wine.
A dry wine contains less than 15 g/L.
Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
Catena Alta Chardonnay review: Which food pairs well with it?
Catena Alta Chardonnay pairs well with a range of dishes, from seafood to poultry and even cream-based pasta dishes.
It is particularly well-suited to dishes with rich, creamy sauces, such as lobster bisque or chicken alfredo.
The wine also pairs well with grilled fish or roasted chicken.
Catena Alta Chardonnay review: What's its alcohol content?
Catena Alta Chardonnay wine’s alcohol content is 13.5%.
In case you wonder about alcohol content or more precisely Alcohol By Volume, i.e. ABV, measure the alcoholic strength of a drink.
There is a direct relationship between the sugar left in the wine after the alcoholic fermentation has taken place, i.e. Residual Sugar or RS, and ABV.
During alcoholic fermentation, the yeast transforms the sugar in the grape juice into alcohol.
Grapes with high residual sugar will therefore produce dry wine with a high ABV.
How many calories are in a glass of Catena Alta Chardonnay wine?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture [1] a 5-ounce glass will contain about 120 to 130 calories.Â
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. So a wine with high ABV will have a higher calories per glass than a wine with low ABV.
Furthermore, sugar contributes to the calorie count.
A dry wine will usually have 4 calories per grams vs a sweet wine that will have around 20 calories per grams of carbs, which include sugar.
Since this is an off-dry wine it will have a bit more than 4 calories per grams.
What is Bodega Catena Zapata?
Here is an extract from the Bodega Catena Zapata website:
“Nicolás Catena Zapata is justly credited with putting Argentinean wines on the world map—by the best expedient of focusing entirely on quality.
It’s great to know he has started a wine dynasty, too.“
Conclusion
Catena Alta Chardonnay is an outstanding wine that showcases the unique terroir of the Mendoza region of Argentina.
Its complex aromas and flavors are a testament to the skill of the winemaker, and the use of French oak barrels adds depth and complexity to the wine.
This is a wine that will appeal to both novice and experienced wine drinkers alike, and it is a true gem that should not be missed.
Once you had it, we’d love to know your opinion, so reach out and let’s know what you think! Enjoy!
