Block I Pinot Noir 2019

Located in the far south of Patagonia, the Otronia vineyard lies in the Sarmiento region, in the heart of the Chubut province, near Lake Musters. Planted at an altitude of approximately 300 meters, the vines benefit from a cold continental climate, characterized by strong winds and significant temperature variations. The predominantly alluvial and stony soils offer natural drainage, which limits vigor and promotes slow ripening, resulting in Pinot Noirs of great precision and a distinctly Patagonian character.

The grapes for this Pinot Noir are hand-harvested and then carefully sorted before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatic purity and the expression of Sarmiento's exceptional terroir. Maceration is conducted gently to delicately extract color and fine tannins. The wine is then aged in oak barrels, where it gains complexity, structure, and texture, while retaining the freshness and aromatic precision typical of the estate.

This wine reveals notes of fresh red fruit , black cherry , and raspberry , complemented by floral touches reminiscent of violet and spicy nuances of pepper and clove. Subtle oak accents, reminiscent of cedar and vanilla, mingle with a slightly mineral structure. The palate displays a silky texture, lively acidity, and fine tannins, with a long, precise finish that highlights the Patagonian freshness.

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.