Bodega Noemia de Patagonia J. Alberto 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Rio Negro Valley in northern Patagonia is one of the most southerly wine regions in the world, and the J. Alberto vineyard embodies this remote and unique terroir. This 4.5-hectare vineyard is located on the north bank of the Rio Negro at 240 meters above sea level. Here, the soils, a mix of sand, gravel, riverbed, and fluvial deposits on limestone, provide excellent drainage and support for the roots to grow deep, imbuing the wine with minerality and structure.

Established with a massal selection, this vineyard is organically certified by Ecocert and divided into five zones that are harvested at different stages of ripeness. Vines are trained using double Guyot, maximizing sunlight exposure, and enhancing fruit concentration. The vineyard’s meticulous care and organic approach produce fruit that captures the intense character of Patagonia’s rugged landscape.

Winemaking

The J. Alberto is crafted with 95% Malbec and 5% Merlot. Hand-harvested in March, the grapes undergo gentle maceration and fermentation in small stainless steel fermenters. Malolactic fermentation further softens the wine and adds layers of complexity.

The wine is then aged for 15 months in cement tanks and stainless steel, preserving its freshness and minerality, with a portion aged in French oak barrels for subtle integration. This careful approach highlights the wine’s terroir, keeping its vibrant acidity and purity intact. Before release, J. Alberto is bottle-aged for an additional six months, ensuring a refined structure and balance.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep violet with inky tones.
• Aroma: Intense bouquet of blackberry, black raspberry, and boysenberry, with earthy and graphite nuances.
• Palate: Structured and elegant, with long tannins and balanced acidity. The finish is persistent, with a touch of minerality and a hint of salinity, underscoring the wine’s Patagonian roots.

Did you know?

J. Alberto is named in honor of a beloved family member, adding a personal touch to this wine, which reflects the estate’s dedication to purity and terroir. The vineyard’s commitment to organic and biodynamic practices, alongside selective massal propagation, allows Bodega Noemia to produce a wine that is a true reflection of its unique Patagonian environment.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Blackberry-Balsamic Glazed Duck Breast: The wine’s dark fruit and graphite notes meld beautifully with the tangy sweetness of the blackberry glaze, enhancing the duck’s rich flavor.
• Miso-Marinated Grilled Aubergine (Eggplant): The umami and smoky flavors of miso and grilled aubergine highlight the wine’s depth, creating a savory, unexpected pairing.
• Juniper-Spiced Venison Stew: The earthy spice of juniper matches the berry intensity and minerality of the wine, adding a unique twist that complements the J. Alberto’s structure.
• Caviar and Truffle Crostini: For an adventurous pairing, the wine’s saline finish and fine tannins pair surprisingly well with delicate caviar and earthy truffle, offering a luxurious and textured experience.

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.