Le Paradis Pinot Noir 2018

The Le Paradis Pinot Noir cuvée comes from the high-altitude parcels of Gualtallary, located in the Tupungato sub-region within the Uco Valley, in the province of Mendoza. Grown at nearly 1,500 meters above sea level, these vines benefit from a climate characterized by significant diurnal temperature variation between warm days and cool nights, as well as intense sunshine. Well-drained gravel-clay soils promote slow and regular ripening, allowing the Pinot Noir to develop precise acidity and exceptional aromatic purity, a typical reflection of high-altitude Andean terroirs.

The winemaking for this wine is designed to enhance the finesse of the Pinot Noir grape. The grapes are hand-harvested and then meticulously sorted before fermentation, which occurs partially with whole clusters using indigenous yeasts, combining open-top tanks and concrete eggs to encourage delicate extraction. Maceration is gentle, accompanied by manual punch-downs and pigeage for elegant extraction of tannins and aromas. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for approximately 16 to 18 months in French oak barrels, including a portion of new wood, before blending and bottling, thus ensuring a refined texture and profound aromatic complexity.

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 smoky character, recalling sandalwood. On the palate, the texture is silky, with fine tannins, refreshing acidity, and a balanced structure, leading to 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.