Bodega Noemia de Patagonia A Lisa 2024

Region and Vineyards

A Lisa comes from Alto Valle del Río Negro, in northern Patagonia, one of Argentina's coolest and most distinctive fine-wine areas. This is a landscape of river-fed green corridors running through arid desert, where irrigation is essential and the long growing season helps grapes ripen slowly while retaining freshness. Patagonia is markedly cooler than Mendoza, with lower altitudes, low rainfall and persistent winds; in Río Negro, vineyards typically lie around 180 m to 270 m above sea level and are capable of producing elegant, balanced reds with notable aromatic lift.

For A Lisa, Bodega Noemia draws fruit from growers in the Mainqué area and from vineyards on the south side of Río Negro, managed by the estate's agricultural team. The fact sheet notes 40-year-old vines, Guyot training, around 3,500 vines per hectare, hand harvesting in mid-March, and soils of clay, silt, gravel, sand, limestone and other fluvial deposits. The estate also states that the vineyards are cultivated partly organically and biodynamically, a natural fit for this dry, wind-swept environment.

Winemaking

The 2024 A Lisa is described in the producer fact sheet as a blend of 90% Malbec and 10% Merlot, while Bodega Noemia's importer material specifies 90% Malbec, 9% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. The official winery page presents A Lisa as a Malbec-led wine sourced from old leased vineyards in Mainqué. Because the producer fact sheet is the wine-specific technical document for this vintage, it is the safest basis for the main blend description here, while noting that minor variations appear across sources.

Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with around 10 days of maceration and deliberately gentle extraction, a choice that suits the estate's pursuit of finesse over weight. The wine is then aged for 10 months in a mix of used 225-litre French barrels and stainless steel, followed by roughly three months in bottle before release. The technical figures indicate 14% alcohol, 1.6 g/L residual sugar and 5.41 g/L acidity, all of which align with the wine's style: ripe yet energetic, polished yet very drinkable.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep violet to plum, with a dense, youthful core that immediately signals concentration without heaviness.
• Aroma: Dark berries, cherry and fresh plum lead the bouquet, followed by floral lift, subtle herbal tones, mineral nuances and a light touch of cocoa.
• Palate: Medium-bodied and juicy, with bright cherry and cassis fruit, a light but well-shaped grip, balanced persistent tannins and a fresh, savoury line that keeps the finish energetic and precise.

Did you know?

A Lisa is named in honour of Hans Vinding-Diers' grandmother, and the cuvée also plays an important local role: Bodega Noemia says it sources grapes from long-term grower partners in Mainqué, helping preserve old vineyards that might otherwise be uprooted for other agricultural uses. That gives the wine not only a strong family identity, but also a meaningful connection to the heritage of Río Negro viticulture.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lamb cutlets: The wine's juicy dark fruit and finely persistent tannins are a natural match for lamb, while its freshness keeps the pairing lifted rather than heavy.
• Beef empanadas: The savoury pastry filling echoes the wine's herbal and mineral undertones, and the supple texture of the palate suits this comforting, flavourful dish beautifully.
• Duck breast with cherry glaze: A Lisa's plum and cherry profile mirrors the fruit in the sauce, while its moderate structure complements the richness of the meat.
• Mushroom pasta: Earthy mushrooms pick up the wine's subtle savoury complexity, and the bright acidity keeps the pairing energetic and balanced.

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.