Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay 2023 | Valle de Uco

The Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay 2023 is a white wine produced by Bodega Catena Zapata in Argentina’s Mendoza region, specifically within the Tupungato district of the Valle de Uco. Sourced from the historic Adrianna Vineyard, this bottling represents a precise expression of high-altitude viticulture. The vineyard parcel spans just 2.2 hectares and is situated at an elevation of 1,450 meters above sea level. The terroir is characterized by alluvial and aeolian soils enriched with calcareous remnants of marine fossils, conditions that contribute significantly to the wine’s structural integrity and minerality.

The winemaking process begins with a careful manual harvest. To preserve freshness and aromatic complexity, the grapes undergo a cold maceration period ranging from 10 to 24 hours in stainless steel tanks at 6 °C. Fermentation then takes place entirely in French oak barrels. Specifically, the wine ferments in 225-liter barriques as well as 500-liter "roll-fermentors," both crafted from French oak. This choice of vessel influences the texture and integration of the wine. The final product undergoes aging for 12 to 16 months in second-, third- and fourth-use French oak barrels. This extended contact with wood allows for subtle oxidative development and texture refinement without overpowering the primary fruit character.

Critically, this vintage has received exceptional recognition from leading international critics. The Wine Advocate (Parker) awarded it 97 points, Tim Atkin gave it 98 points, and James Suckling scored it 99 points. These high ratings reflect the wine’s technical precision and quality. Overall, the Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay 2023 stands as a benchmark for Argentine Chardonnay, combining the cool-climate intensity of high-altitude Mendoza with sophisticated French oak aging to create a complex, structured, and elegant white wine.