Domaine Nico 'Grand Pere' Pinot Noir 2023

This delicate red wine originates from Argentina, produced within the highly acclaimed Tupungato region of the Uco Valley in Mendoza. Domaine Nico was lovingly founded by Laura Catena to honour her grandfather through a series of elegant high altitude Pinot Noir bottlings. The family operates under a winemaking philosophy focused on traditional, gentle methods and micro terroir expression, farming the very first vineyard that the Catena family planted in the region back in 1993.

Wine Description

• Colour: Pale ruby to garnet colour featuring copper shades at the rim.

• Aroma: An intense, expressive nose delivering aromas of red bramble fruits, dried cherries, and raspberries, beautifully layered with accents of rose petals, pepper, oregano, and earthy mushrooms.

• Palate: Juicy, incisive, and harmonious on the palate, carrying flavours of ripe red plum, tart cherry, and chocolate supported by a striking saline thread and subtle spices.

• Body: Light to medium-bodied with an elegant, focused framework.

• Finish: A lengthy, tight finish featuring fine, velvety tannins.

• Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir sourced from Dijon clones grown in a unique two hectare, shaded parcel characterized by stonier alluvial soils.

• Stylistic Notes: The wine shows magnificent tension, freshness, and nerve. Due to the high elevation of 1,100 metres and the shaded nature of the Grand Père plot, it exhibits a low perception of alcohol alongside an abundance of vibrant, snappy acidity.

• Alcohol by Volume: 13.0%

• Organic Status: Not certified organic, though minded with sustainable, gentle viticulture.

Food Pairing

• Earthy mushroom risotto or a rich wild mushroom tart.

• Classic herb roast chicken or roasted turkey dishes.

• Creamy Bourgogne cheeses, cured charcuterie boards, or aged meats.

Vintage Quality

The 2023 vintage in Mendoza was characterized by a cooler growing season that yielded lower production across the Uco Valley. This unique climate proved highly beneficial for delicate varieties like Pinot Noir, allowing the grapes to retain high natural acidity, pristine aromatics, and a wonderfully focused, nervy flavor profile.

Accolades

95 Points - James Suckling:"Red nervy fruit, pepper and oregano on the nose. The palate is juicy but incisive, with red bramble fruit. The palate is saline, succulent and focused, with so much harmony. From a 2-hectare plot planted in 1993 in Villa Bastías."