Domaine Nico Histoire d'A Pinot Noir 2021

Region and Vineyards

Domaine Nico’s Histoire d'A Pinot Noir is crafted in the Gualtallary sub-region of the Uco Valley, located in Mendoza, Argentina. Known for its exceptional terroir, Gualtallary sits at an impressive altitude of 4,429 feet, creating a cool climate that allows for slow grape maturation. This high altitude, combined with intense sunlight, promotes vibrant acidity and structure in the grapes, making it particularly favorable for cultivating Pinot Noir. The vineyard’s gravel and clay-loam soils add complexity to the wine, contributing to its minerality and finesse. Established in 1998, the vineyard produces low-yield, high-quality grapes, ideal for the concentrated expression found in Histoire d'A Pinot Noir.

The Uco Valley is often celebrated as one of the finest regions for high-altitude winemaking in South America. This area benefits from natural irrigation from the Andean snowmelt, fostering healthy grape growth in otherwise arid conditions. Domaine Nico's commitment to terroir-driven Pinot Noir has elevated the perception of Argentinian Pinot Noir globally, showcasing the region's potential for elegance and sophistication.

Winemaking

Histoire d'A Pinot Noir is composed entirely of 100% Pinot Noir and emphasizes gentle winemaking techniques that honor the delicate nature of the grape. Winemaker Roy Urvieta incorporates 40% whole clusters during fermentation, enhancing the wine’s texture and aromatic profile. Fermentation takes place in 600-liter oak roll-fermentors using indigenous yeast, followed by a 10-12 day maceration. This approach extracts both color and flavor while preserving the grape’s freshness.

Post-fermentation, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, of which 20% are new and the remaining 80% are second-use, ensuring a balanced integration of oak without overpowering the delicate Pinot Noir character. The wine is then aged for 18 months in these barrels before bottling, allowing the tannins to soften and the complex flavors to harmonize.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Brilliant ruby with medium density.
• Aroma: Aromas of cinnamon, clove, and black pepper dominate, layered with subtle herbal undertones that add depth.
• Palate: The palate is well-balanced with moderate acidity and silky, rounded tannins. Flavors mirror the spiced aroma, enhanced by a hint of perceived sweetness, creating a generous mouthfeel.

Did You Know?

Domaine Nico is a pioneering venture by Laura Catena, inspired by the Burgundian approach to Pinot Noir. Histoire d'A represents a celebration of femininity and elegance, with the name referencing the novel Histoire d’O, underlining the wine’s sensual and complex character.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Duck à l'Orange: The wine’s spice complements the citrus glaze, while the acidity balances the richness of the duck.
• Wild Mushroom Risotto: Earthy mushrooms and creamy textures enhance the wine’s silky tannins and herbal nuances.
• Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops: The wine’s peppery notes pair beautifully with the lamb’s herbal crust, creating a balanced contrast.
• Charcuterie Board: Prosciutto, soft cheeses, and dried fruits bring out the wine’s spice and moderate acidity, making it an ideal partner for varied flavors.

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.