Domaine Nico Le Paradis Pinot Noir 2018

Region and Vineyards

Located in the Gualtallary sub-region of Tupungato, Mendoza, Domaine Nico’s Le Paradis vineyard sits at an impressive altitude of 1,500 meters. This high-elevation setting provides cool nights and intense sunlight, ideal for cultivating Pinot Noir with bright acidity and a unique profile. The soils are characterized by deep layers with calcium carbonate and embedded boulders at depths of 40 to 60 centimeters, adding a distinctive mineral texture to the wine.

Planted in 2011 with Dijon clone 667, the 1.1-hectare vineyard benefits from an ideal combination of altitude, climate, and soil composition, yielding grapes that reflect the elegance and complexity of high-altitude winemaking in Argentina.

Winemaking

This vintage underwent an innovative micro-vinification approach, with 12 separate batches to ensure precision in capturing the vineyard’s character. 50% of the grapes were fermented in 800L stainless steel vats, while the remaining 50% were fermented in 600L oak roll-fermentors to enhance aromatic complexity and structure. With a fermentation temperature capped at 24°C and a maceration of 13-16 days, the winemaking process emphasized gentle extraction for balanced tannins.

Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (20% new, 40% third-use, and 40% fourth-use 500L barrels), the wine achieves a delicate oak integration, complementing its mineral and fruit profile.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: High intensity of mineral elements, with chalk and light herbal notes. As it opens, delicate berry aromas evolve, adding layers of complexity with subtle, integrated oak.
• Palate: Bright acidity and fine tannins create a balanced and elegant mouthfeel, while flavors of red berries and a chalky, mineral finish reflect the high-altitude terroir.
• Finish: Long and layered, with a fresh acidity that enhances its length and depth.

Did you know?

Domaine Nico is one of the world’s highest-altitude domaines dedicated to Pinot Noir, reflecting its founder’s ambition to create an Argentine equivalent to the elegance of Burgundy’s wines. Le Paradis is inspired by the poetry of Dante Alighieri, whose journey through paradise mirrors the artistry and care in crafting this unique wine.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Tuna Tataki with Sesame and Wasabi: The wine’s high acidity balances the richness of tuna, while its mineral notes highlight the sesame’s nuttiness and wasabi’s spice.
• Duck Breast with Cherry Compote: The earthy flavors of duck and the sweetness of cherries pair harmoniously with the wine’s berry aromas and structured tannins.
• Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Thyme and Parmesan: The wine’s minerality complements the mushrooms’ umami, and the herbal thyme accentuates its subtle notes.
• Goat Cheese and Beet Tart: This pairing enhances the wine’s acidity and berry notes, while the earthiness of the beets mirrors its mineral finish.

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.