Bodega Noemia de Patagonia Noemia 2020

Region and Vineyards

Bodega Noemia’s Noemia vineyard lies in the Rio Negro Valley at the northern edge of Patagonia, Argentina, in one of the southernmost wine regions in the world. This 3.7-acre vineyard was planted in 1932 with pre-phylloxera Malbec vines, some of the oldest in South America, and is divided into four sections based on soil composition and exposure. Positioned at an elevation of 240 meters above sea level on the north bank of the Rio Negro, the vineyard features soils rich in sand, gravel, riverbed deposits, and fluvial sediments on a limestone waterbed, creating an environment that enhances the wine’s mineral complexity.

Certified organic by Ecocert and partially biodynamic, the vineyard uses double Guyot training to support the vine growth and optimize fruit quality. The vineyard’s location, combined with organic cultivation, results in low yields and highly concentrated grapes that embody the character and elegance of this unique Patagonian terroir.

Winemaking

The Noemia is crafted entirely from Malbec grapes, meticulously hand-harvested in March to capture their optimal ripeness. After picking, the grapes are transported in refrigerated trucks to preserve their nuanced character, then fermented in small stainless steel fermenters to ensure precise temperature control. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation for added softness and complexity.

For aging, Noemia spends 15 to 24 months in French demi-muids from the famed cooperage Tonnellerie Darnajou, imparting a subtle oak influence that complements the wine’s fruit profile. Following barrel aging, it undergoes an additional six months of bottle aging to refine its structure before release, resulting in a wine with substantial complexity and a smooth, balanced finish.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep violet with garnet edges.
• Aroma: Intense aromas of dark fruit, such as blackberry and plum, intertwined with hints of coffee, dark chocolate, and spice.
• Palate: Elegant and well-balanced, offering layered dark fruit flavors with well-integrated tannins and acidity. A long, persistent finish underscores the wine’s depth and minerality, making it a memorable Malbec.

Did you know?

Bodega Noemia’s Noemia Malbec is a celebrated “cult wine” with a significant aging potential, often compared to some of the finest wines in the world. The vineyard’s heritage, with its pre-phylloxera vines and organic cultivation, creates a wine that is not only distinct but deeply rooted in Patagonian history and tradition, standing out as one of the purest expressions of Malbec.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Herb-Crusted Lamb: Complements the wine’s dark fruit and mineral notes, with the herbaceous crust enhancing its complexity.
• Grilled Steak: The wine’s structure and balanced acidity match perfectly with the richness of a well-marbled steak.
• Venison with Berry Reduction: The wine’s fruit intensity and spiced hints harmonize with the gaminess and fruit reduction.
• Aged Manchego Cheese: Pairs beautifully with the wine’s persistent finish and layered texture.

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.