Le Paradis Pinot Noir 2018

Domaine Nico's Paradis Pinot Noir comes from high-altitude vineyards in the Mendoza region, at the foot of the Andes Mountains in Argentina. The plots are located in the Uco Valley, an area renowned for its poor alluvial soils, significant temperature variations, and abundant sunshine. These conditions allow for slow and complete ripening of the grapes, while preserving a beautiful freshness. The altitude, the semi-desert climate, and the Andean influence shape a unique terroir, particularly suited to the precise and elegant expression of Pinot Noir.

The grapes are hand-harvested in small crates and hand-sorted both in the vineyard and at the winery. They are then gravity-fed into vats for fermentation with indigenous yeasts, at a controlled temperature to preserve the purity of the Pinot Noir. Maceration is gentle, with moderate punch-downs and pump-overs to delicately extract color and tannins. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels for several months before being bottled at the estate after light fining and minimal filtration.

This wine reveals notes of red fruits , such as cherry and raspberry , complemented by floral touches reminiscent of violet and rose. Spicy nuances of sweet pepper and clove mingle with a light oak character, reminiscent of vanilla and sandalwood. On the palate, the texture is silky, with fine tannins , refreshing acidity, and a balanced structure, carried by an elegant and persistent finish that underscores the delicate character of this high-altitude 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.