Bodega Noemia de Patagonia A Lisa 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Rio Negro Valley in northern Patagonia is one of the most southern wine regions in the world, offering a unique terroir defined by cool temperatures and desert-like conditions. Located at approximately 240 meters above sea level, this remote valley benefits from a continental climate that produces long, cool growing seasons, ideal for enhancing the elegance and freshness of the wine. The vineyards here are nourished by alluvial soils rich in clay, silt, gravel, sand, and limestone, which contribute to the wines' vibrant minerality and complexity.

Founded by Contessa Noemi Marone Cinzano and winemaker Hans Vinding-Diers, Bodega Noemia is dedicated to organic and biodynamic practices. The vines for A Lisa, some over 40 years old, are meticulously cultivated and trained using the Guyot method. This dedication to natural viticulture allows the vineyard to yield fruit that is balanced, expressive, and reflective of its rugged Patagonian environment.

Winemaking

The A Lisa is crafted from 90% Malbec, with 9% Merlot and a touch of 1% Petit Verdot. The grapes are hand-harvested in mid-March and undergo a short 10-day maceration with minimal extraction to preserve the purest fruit character. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks to enhance freshness and maintain the wine's natural aromatics. The wine is then aged for 10 months in used French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, ensuring subtle oak integration without overpowering the fruit. To round out its profile, A Lisa undergoes an additional three months of bottle aging before release.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, intense violet with a rich plum hue.
• Aroma: Aromas of dark berries and cherry unfold with hints of mineral and cocoa, adding depth and intrigue.
• Palate: Medium-bodied and structured, with flavors of ripe cherry, cassis, and subtle earthiness. The balanced tannins provide a smooth yet persistent finish, highlighting the wine’s cool-climate freshness and layered complexity.

Did you know?

A Lisa is named in dedication to Hans Vinding-Diers' grandmother, symbolizing the familial legacy and the deeply rooted tradition behind Bodega Noemia. The winery is one of the most southerly in the world, located in a desert-like climate where vines thrive with the support of organic and biodynamic practices. This vineyard, essentially in the desert, reflects the adaptability of winemaking in extreme environments, producing wines that are unique to Patagonia.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Wild Mushroom Risotto: Complements the wine's earthy notes and medium body, enhancing its complexity.
• Roasted Chicken with Herbs: The wine’s balanced tannins and berry notes pair elegantly with herbaceous flavors and tender white meat.
• Argentinian Empanadas: The savory, spiced filling highlights the wine’s structure and fruit depth.
• Grilled Lamb Chops: Perfectly matches the wine’s dark fruit and minerality, balancing the richness of the lamb.

History of Bodega Noemia de Patagonia

Founded by Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano and Hans Vinding-Diers, Bodega Noemia emerged from a desire to create world-class wines in one of the most southern wine regions on the globe. In 2001, the founders discovered old, pre-phylloxera Malbec vines in the Rio Negro Valley and saw an opportunity to revive the vineyard and explore Patagonia’s untapped potential for fine wine. They set out to craft wines that reflected the purity and natural beauty of the Patagonian terroir, preserving ancient winemaking traditions while employing modern techniques.

Since its inception, Bodega Noemia has been a pioneer of organic and biodynamic viticulture in the region, with every vineyard certified organic by Ecocert. These meticulous practices, along with a commitment to low intervention in winemaking, enable the team to produce wines of elegance and authenticity. Over the years, Bodega Noemia has gained international recognition for producing wines that are distinctly Patagonian, achieving cult status among collectors and critics alike.

Region and Vineyards

The Rio Negro Valley in Patagonia, Argentina, is known for its extreme climate, with hot days and cool nights that contribute to the unique freshness and balance of the wines. Situated at 240 meters above sea level on the north side of the Rio Negro river, the vineyards benefit from a mix of sandy, gravelly soils with limestone deposits, which add structure and minerality to the wines.

The estate spans 4.5 hectares of vineyards, divided into small plots that reflect distinct soil types and sun exposures. This diversity allows Bodega Noemia to cultivate grapes that are highly expressive of the terroir. In particular, the estate’s vineyards include 88-year-old pre-phylloxera Malbec vines, cultivated with double Guyot training to encourage healthy growth and concentration of flavor in the grapes.

Wine Range

Bodega Noemia’s wine portfolio highlights the essence of Patagonian Malbec with precision and elegance. Key wines include:

• Noemia: The flagship wine, a single-vineyard Malbec with remarkable depth, aging potential, and complex flavors of dark fruit and minerality.
• J. Alberto: A blend of 95% Malbec and 5% Merlot, known for its vibrant acidity, fine tannins, and refined structure that emphasize the freshness of the Patagonian terroir.
• A Lisa: A more approachable Malbec with hints of Merlot and Petit Verdot, showcasing the lively fruit and minerality that define the estate’s style.

Each wine is crafted with a commitment to low intervention, allowing the purity of the fruit and terroir to shine through.

Did you know?

Bodega Noemia’s Noemia Malbec is often referred to as a “cult wine,” prized for its limited production and distinctive Patagonian character. With strict organic and biodynamic certification, the winery also engages in massal selection for vine propagation, preserving the genetic diversity and strength of their old vines. This approach underscores the estate’s philosophy of producing wines that are true to their origin.