Domaine Nico Grand Père Pinot Noir 2022

Region and Vineyards

Domaine Nico's Grand Père comes from Villa Bastías, in Tupungato (Uco Valley), one of Mendoza's most prized zones for cool-climate, high-definition wines. The vineyard sits at about 1,120 m elevation (3,675 ft), where bright daylight is tempered by cold nights, helping Pinot Noir retain aromatic precision and naturally vibrant acidity.

The Grand Père parcel is part of a nearly 30-year-old planting (1993) of Dijon clone 115. Its soils are described as loamy with surface gravel over alluvial rounded stones coated with limestone, a profile that typically favours drainage and a distinctly mineral, savoury register in the finished wine. Notably, the Grand Père section is more shaded than its counterpart parcels, and the estate highlights very low yields, a key driver of concentration without heaviness.

Winemaking

Grand Père 2022 is 100% Pinot Noir, fermented with indigenous yeasts and a gentle, traditional approach designed to protect perfume and finesse. Whole clusters are used (20%), and fermentation is split between a 600 L oak roll-fermentor and stainless-steel tanks, balancing subtle oxygen exchange with clarity of fruit. Extraction is handled by hand punch-downs, with a modest maximum fermentation temperature of 25 °C and a maceration lasting 7 to 14 days.

Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel, and ageing continues for 15 months in French oak barrels, with 25% new and 75% second use. The stated alcohol is 12.5%, supporting a lighter, more aerial profile; the wine is also analytically dry (residual sugar <1.8 g/L) with total acidity and pH that align with the estate's emphasis on freshness and line.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby with a youthful, transparent core and a lively cherry sheen.
• Aroma: Intense fresh red fruits, lifted by violet notes, subtle earth, and a delicate spice and mineral accent.
• Palate: Dry and finely etched, with medium-high acidity, silky tannins and a low perception of alcohol. Long, slightly herbal and savoury on the finish, staying nimble rather than dense.

Did you know?

Grand Père was conceived as a tribute: Laura Catena named it to honour the love and wisdom grandparents bring to family life, pairing that sentiment with a deliberately classic, restrained Pinot Noir style from older vines in Villa Bastías.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roast duck with sour cherry glaze: The wine's bright red-fruit profile and lively acidity echo the fruit while cutting through richness.
• Mushroom risotto: Earth and subtle spice in the wine amplify umami, while the silky tannins keep the pairing elegant.
• Spaghetti and meatballs: A naturally fresh, medium-bodied Pinot handles tomato tang and savoury herbs without overpowering the dish.
• Grilled haddock with herbs: The wine's finesse and slightly herbal finish can work surprisingly well with delicate, flaky fish.

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.