I admit it: When it comes to Chardonnay, I'm picky. I like the full-bodied flavor of Chardonnay but am sick to the teeth of butter and oak unless I'm drinking it with the right food, like lobster, which almost never happens. Some of them taste like I'm drinking fermented tree bark. So I look for unusual varietals, un-oaked bottles, anything that gets away from the same old song.
Botega Catena Zapata, the maker of Catena Chardonnay, grows its grapes in a high-altitude region of Argentina. High altitude brings out a different character in the Chardonnay grape, which can be seen in a number of regions around the world such as Austria, Argentina - even a few growers in Colorado. In this wine, it shows up in a friendly melon nose; brightly acidic fruit, mineral and oak on the palate; and a mellow, lingering finish. This wine strikes a pleasant balance of sweet, acid and oak in a structured body while remaining versatile enough to pair with a range of lighter fare such as white fish or crackers and cheese.
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