Catena launches two new NOLO sparkling Chardonnays in the U.S.

The Catena family is expanding Domaine EdeM in the U.S. with Blonde and Uco Stones, two Uco Valley Chardonnay-based sparkling wines aimed at drinkers seeking no- and low-alcohol options without giving up quality. The launch reinforces Catena’s bet that the NOLO category can grow alongside premium fine wine.

Why it matters: - The Catena family is extending its premium wine strategy into the fast-growing no- and low-alcohol category. - Blonde and Uco Stones add Chardonnay-based choices for consumers who want moderation, food pairing and higher-quality alternatives to soda or sparkling water. - The launch strengthens Catena’s position in U.S. Chardonnay while broadening its portfolio beyond full-strength wine.

What happened: - The Catena family launched two new U.S. sparkling wines from Domaine Elena de Mendoza, or EdeM: Blonde and Uco Stones. - Both wines are made from Uco Valley Chardonnay. - Domaine EdeM was developed by the Catena Institute of Wine and launched in 2025 as the family’s first dedicated no- and low-alcohol wine range. - The release date on the announcement was June 22, 2026, from Mendoza, Argentina.

The details: - Blonde is a 0.0% abv sparkling non-alcoholic Chardonnay-based wine priced at $28. - Blonde is made from early-harvest Chardonnay verjus and Tupungato Chardonnay grape must, then infused with natural botanicals for freshness and texture. - Uco Stones is a 7% abv low-alcohol sparkling Chardonnay priced at $28. - Uco Stones is made to highlight the mineral-driven profile and bright acidity of Uco Valley limestone-rich soils. - Fermentation is stopped early to preserve acidity and freshness, then the wine is blended with Chardonnay verjus for added texture and complexity. - EdeM now covers non-alcoholic, dealcoholized and low-alcohol wines across more consumption occasions. - Agustín Silva, EdeM winemaker, said Blonde uses 100% verjus with botanicals and bubbles, while Uco Stones splits the juice between fermented wine and preserved verjus. - Silva said the final Uco Stones blend delivers a full-bodied Chardonnay experience with only half the alcohol. - Both wines received Gold Medals at The Drinks Business Global No & Low Alcohol Masters 2025 and Double Gold at Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge. - EdeM has also gained recognition in Argentina’s fine dining and hospitality scene since launch. - Catena is now the No. 2 exporter of Chardonnay-based fine wines priced at $19 and above from Argentina to the United States, according to Nielsen 2025.

Between the lines: - Catena is positioning NOLO wine as a quality-led category, not a tradeoff category. - The focus on Uco Valley limestone, high-altitude Chardonnay and verjus suggests the family is using familiar fine-wine cues to make lower-alcohol wines feel premium. - The mention of “Zebra Striping” shows Catena is leaning into moderation as a consumption behavior, not just a product format. - The launch also ties NOLO innovation to a broader Chardonnay story, with Catena trying to build white-wine authority alongside its long-standing Malbec reputation. - Dante McDermott Catena said the wines are aimed at occasional moderators, new wine drinkers and lifelong wine drinkers. - Dr. Laura Catena said high-altitude cool-climate mountain Chardonnay is a new category for consumers to discover, comparing it to how drinkers associate Napa with Cabernet Sauvignon and Burgundy with Pinot Noir. - The launch coincides with the debut of the Zebra Striping podcast from the Catena Institute of Wine, which will explore the trend with industry experts.

What’s next: - The Catena Institute of Wine will use the Zebra Striping podcast to keep promoting the moderation trend and its fit in a modern lifestyle. - Samples of Blonde and Uco Stones are available for editorial consideration. - Domaine EdeM wines are imported by Winebow Imports. - Consumers can follow @domaine.edem to learn more.

The bottom line: - Catena is betting that premium Chardonnay can help make no- and low-alcohol wine more credible, more versatile and more commercially durable in the U.S. market.