This pleasing wine for a hot mid-Georgia summer day was spotted at Macon Beverage Outlet for $24.99.  The wine comes from Argentina, known for high altitude vineyards – some of the highest in the world.  The fruit for this chardonnay is sourced from vineyards at nearly 5,000 feet.  This winery has a long tradition and was founded in 1902 by an Italian immigrant to Argentina – Nicola Catena. I had the pleasure of hearing about this family’s strong traditions at a talk held by Nicola’s daughter, Laura, who is now the managing director for Bodega Catena Zapata.

From the winemaker: The fruit from the Adrianna vineyard has a purity of flavors and a minerality that is particular to this vineyard and can not be found anywhere else in Mendoza. The nearby, gravel-covered Domingo Vineyard makes up 20% of the blend. Elevage: 14 months in French oak barrels. Whole clusters are pressed, and then 100% fermented in 500 L French oak barrels with natural yeasts at low temperatures. Wild yeasts. Aged for 14 months in French oak. 30% does not undergo malolactic fermentation. First, second and third use barrels used. Varietal: 100% Chardonnay, Alcohol: 13.8%, Total Acidity: 7.5 grams/liter, pH: 3.19.