Domaine Nico Grand Mère Pinot Noir 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Villa Bastias vineyard in Tupungato, Uco Valley, is known for its high-altitude conditions, sitting at 3,675 feet (1,120 meters) above sea level. Planted in 1993 with Dijon clones, the vineyard spans 5 hectares and features gravel and clay-loam soils, which provide excellent drainage and add mineral complexity to the wine. The Grand Mère parcel receives more direct sunlight than the adjacent Grand Père block, resulting in a Pinot Noir with silky tannins and a fuller body.

The region’s high elevation contributes to cool nights and intense sunlight, ideal for producing wines with vibrant acidity and aromatic intensity, which are distinctive characteristics of this Pinot Noir.

Winemaking

Grand Mère is crafted with a gentle, traditional approach to highlight the delicate nature of the Pinot Noir grape. Fermentation includes 20% whole clusters and is carried out using indigenous yeast in small 800L vats to ensure precise temperature control. Hand punch-downs are used for gentle extraction, with the fermentation temperature kept at 25°C and a maceration period of 7 to 10 days.

After fermentation, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in second-use French oak barrels and is aged for 14 months. This choice of oak imparts a subtle influence, allowing the pure fruit and mineral notes to shine while adding complexity to the wine’s structure.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Bright red cherry and strawberry with subtle notes of black fruit. As it opens, hints of black pepper and cinnamon emerge, adding a touch of spice.
• Palate: Medium acidity and a balanced, “horizontal” mouthfeel with silky tannins and a delicate structure. The wine displays a harmonious mix of fruit and spice, with a refreshing vibrancy.
• Finish: Long, smooth, and well-integrated, with a touch of minerality that enhances the wine’s elegance and depth.

Did you know?

Grand Mère is named in honor of the nurturing role and timeless wisdom of grandmothers, reflecting winemaker Laura Catena’s respect for family values and heritage. The vineyard’s low yields, due to the age of the vines, enhance the concentration of flavors, creating a Pinot Noir that is both refined and expressive.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Duck Breast with Cherry Reduction: The rich, gamey flavor of duck pairs beautifully with the wine’s cherry notes and delicate tannins.
• Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Za’atar and Tahini: The earthy, nutty flavor of roasted cauliflower complements the wine’s subtle spiciness, while za’atar brings out the peppery notes.
• Truffled Wild Mushroom Risotto: The creamy, earthy flavors of mushroom and truffle highlight the wine’s minerality and finesse.
• Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad: The acidity and minerality of the wine contrast elegantly with the earthy beets and creamy tang of goat cheese.

History of Domaine Nico Estate

Domaine Nico was founded by Laura Catena, a fourth-generation winemaker from the prominent Catena family, known worldwide for elevating the profile of Argentinian wines. Laura is not only a visionary in the wine industry but also a trained biologist and medical doctor. Her extensive background in science shapes her approach to viticulture and winemaking, allowing her to marry empirical precision with the artistry of wine.

Inspired by her deep appreciation for Pinot Noir and the wines of Burgundy, Laura established Domaine Nico with a clear mission: to explore how this delicate grape variety could thrive in the unique, high-altitude terroirs of Mendoza. The name Domaine Nico is a tribute to her daughter, Nico, symbolizing a legacy of innovation and dedication to winemaking. Since its first vintage in 2017, Domaine Nico has set out to redefine Argentinian Pinot Noir, focusing on single-vineyard expressions that highlight the intricacies of the Gualtallary terroir.

Winemaker Roy Urvieta collaborates closely with Laura, bringing his expertise in terroir-driven wines to Domaine Nico’s micro-winery setup. Together, they employ minimal intervention techniques, allowing the vineyard's natural characteristics to shine in each vintage. This approach has allowed Domaine Nico to achieve a level of finesse and complexity that sets a new benchmark for Argentinian Pinot Noir.

Region and Vineyards

Domaine Nico’s vineyards are located in Gualtallary, a high-altitude sub-region within the Tupungato area of the Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina. Situated at altitudes that reach 1,750 meters (5,740 feet), these vineyards benefit from a unique combination of intense sunlight and cooler temperatures, which allows for a slower ripening process. This high altitude contributes to natural acidity and balanced tannins, hallmarks of Domaine Nico’s Pinot Noir wines.

The gravel and clay-loam soils in Gualtallary offer excellent drainage and are mineral-rich, which enhances the wines with a distinctive minerality and depth. This terroir-driven character is amplified by the area’s natural irrigation from Andean snowmelt, ensuring that the vines are nurtured by pure, mineral-laden water. Gualtallary is well-regarded for its expressive and mineral-driven wines, making it an ideal location for Domaine Nico’s focus on precise, site-specific Pinot Noir.

Wine Range

Domaine Nico specializes in single-vineyard Pinot Noir, with a range that highlights various vineyard plots and soil types within Gualtallary. The winery produces limited quantities, focusing on small-lot wines crafted with meticulous care.

Key wines include La Savante and Histoire d'A, each reflecting a unique aspect of the terroir. For instance, La Savante emphasizes mineral notes and herbaceous qualities, while Histoire d'A showcases red fruit and spice. Domaine Nico’s wines are crafted to express the diversity of Gualtallary’s soils and elevations, each bottle offering a distinct expression of its specific vineyard origin.

Did You Know?

Domaine Nico was created as an homage to the intellectual and artistic qualities of women, with each wine named to reflect Laura Catena’s vision of femininity that is strong, thoughtful, and complex. The name La Savante means "The Scholar" in French, celebrating Laura’s scientific background and her commitment to combining academic precision with winemaking artistry.