Continuing with the Chardonnay series, today we’re checking out an Argentine Chardonnay from Alamos, a value wine label produced by Bodega Catena Zapata in Argentina.

Catena Zapata has its roots in Argentine winemaking going back to 1902, when Nicola Catena planted his first Malbec vines.  The winery faced many challenges and changes over the years, and its current era really started to take shape in the 1980′s under the direction of Nicolás Catena.  Catena sold off the bulk wine part of the company to begin a new focus on fine wine.  The company experimented with viticulture over the years to optimize locations for growing certain vines.  Today, Catena Zapata is known for producing exceptional wines and they are particularly known for their Malbec.

To be honest, I’m not sure exactly when Catena Zapata added the Alamos brand to their family.  But I do know that it gives me the opportunity to try a few wines from them that are within my price range.

The 2008 Alamos Chardonnay was part of a blind tasting I recently did, and it was OK.  I would say not as good as the 2007, but still OK.

Hay and grapefruit are the primary aromas on the nose.  There’s a bit of a vanilla in there too.  The palate is fairly tropical, with pineapple, apple and melon flavors, along with the grapefruit on the finish.  The acidity is pretty crisp, just how I like it.  But the finish is a little quick.

Wine: Alamos
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 84
Price: $13.00

Find Alamos Chardonnay with Snooth