Description
Like Sauvignon Blanc & New Zealand, Malbec is no stranger to Argentina. The Zapata name is well known for a variety of expressions of Malbec and revered within wine circles for the work they have done with the Adrianna Vineyard.
Located at an altitude of 1,450 metres, the Adrianna Vineyard was planted in 1992 with a single goal in mind: to find the coolest location for growing vines in Mendoza. It has contributed greatly to research around grape growing at altitude, a much-needed study especially in today’s shifting climate. Here, altitude and soil quality combine to produce a wine unique to its location—a true testament to the region’s potential outside of big, rich red wines.
From a select 27 rows in Block 1 of the Adrianna Vineyard comes the White Stones Chardonnay, its name derived from the white gravel-covered ground. The rocky soil is ideal for drainage and the poor nature of the soil provides a positive stress for the vines, while the diurnal relief of cool nights allows for slow ripening and acid retention. Fermentation is done in French oak barrels, with some battonage and partial malolactic fermentation. It spends just over a year in older barrels for aging.
