Grand Père Pinot Noir 2022

Located in Argentina, Domaine Nico cultivates its Pinot Noir vines on high-altitude terroirs in the Mendoza region, renowned for its significant temperature variations. The soils, primarily composed of stony alluvium mixed with sand and clay, offer natural drainage that promotes slow and even ripening of the grapes. Protected by the Andes Mountains, the plots benefit from abundant sunshine and cool nights, preserving the aromatic freshness and balance of the grape variety, while precisely expressing the identity of this Argentinian vineyard.

The Pinot Noir grapes for the Grand Père cuvée are hand-harvested into small crates and then meticulously sorted upon arrival at the winery. After a cold pre-fermentation maceration, alcoholic fermentation takes place in vats with indigenous yeasts and gentle pump-overs to preserve the fruit's elegance. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in French oak barrels. The wine is then aged for several months in oak barrels to refine the tannic structure and develop aromatic complexity before bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of fresh red fruits , raspberry and cherry , complemented by floral touches reminiscent of peony and rose , as well as subtle spicy and peppery nuances. Woody and vanilla accents add a touch of complexity and depth. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet delicate, supported by lively acidity, fine and silky tannins, and a lingering, beautifully fresh finish that highlights the elegance of Pinot Noir.

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.