Nico's Domain Histoire d'A Pinot Noir 2022

The Histoire d'A Pinot Noir cuvée comes from the Uco Valley , more precisely from the Gualtallary sub-region in the province of Mendoza, Argentina. The vines are planted at high altitude, around 1,350 meters, on well-drained soils composed of gravel and silty clay, promoting deep root development. This Andean microclimate, characterized by significant day-night temperature variations and intense sunlight, allows this Pinot Noir to develop vibrant acidity and remarkable aromatic finesse, reflecting an expressive and unique high-altitude terroir.

The winemaking process for Histoire d'A Pinot Noir is designed to respect the delicate nature of the grape variety and faithfully express its terroir. The grapes are harvested by hand, and a significant portion of the bunches are left whole during fermentation, which takes place in small 600-liter oak fermenters using indigenous yeasts. Maceration lasts approximately 10 to 12 days to elegantly extract color and aromas without any harshness. After fermentation, the wine completes its malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, some of which are new, and is then aged for about 18 months before bottling, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavors to harmonize.

This wine reveals notes of Morello cherry, fresh raspberry , cranberry , leather, clove , black pepper, blond tobacco , and dried flowers . On the palate, the attack is energetic. and radiant, carried by a Refreshing acidity typical of high-altitude Pinot Noirs. The texture is silky, offering a sensation of precision and fluidity, while the finish is long and expressive, with fruity and spicy notes.

Although Argentina is often considered part of the "New World," its winemaking tradition is much older than one might think, dating back to the Spanish colonization of the 16th century and later to Italian settlers. Unlike Chile, wine has long been an integral part of the country's culture. No other wine-producing country in the world made more progress in the latter years of the 20th century (in viticulture, oenology, and, of course, finance), which allowed the country's winemakers to raise quality levels and successfully establish an international export market. Argentina is now the fifth largest wine-producing country in the world, after France, Italy, Spain, and the United States. Viticulture is practiced primarily in the foothills of the Andes, particularly in Mendoza, where the desert landscapes and high altitudes combine to create aromatic and intensely flavorful wines. Some vineyards are even planted at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters! The terroir here is well-suited to the grape variety adopted by Argentina: the ubiquitous Malbec. Originally from Bordeaux, it is now the source of some of Argentina's most famous wines, characterized by their brilliance and intensity, with floral notes and dark fruit flavors. Other red varieties produced in Argentina include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bonarda, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Pinot Noir. Among white wines, the emblematic grape of the Argentine wine region is Torrontés, which yields a wine with a floral and tropical taste. The country also produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. Today, Argentine wines are recognized worldwide for their full-bodied reds and as being of high quality.