Otronia Block 1 Pinot Noir 2019

Region and Vineyards

Located at latitude 45°33' S, Bodega Otronia is situated in Sarmiento, Chubut in Patagonia, one of the world’s most southerly wine-growing regions. The extreme latitude brings cool, dry conditions, with strong winds and a pronounced diurnal range, which help preserve acidity and intensify flavors. The soils in Block 1 of the vineyard vary in composition, with stony, well-drained profiles that enhance minerality and structure.

Patagonia’s unique climate, characterized by cold temperatures and high sunlight intensity, allows for slow ripening, which is ideal for Pinot Noir. The challenging conditions require meticulous vineyard management, resulting in grapes that are concentrated in flavor and naturally vibrant, capturing the rugged beauty of the Patagonian landscape.

Winemaking

The Otronia Block 1 Pinot Noir is crafted with careful attention to the vineyard’s specific terroir. Harvested in March, the grapes undergo fermentation in concrete tanks, using 50% whole clusters to enhance structure and aromatic complexity. Following fermentation, the wine completes malolactic fermentation and is aged in untoasted French oak foudres for 18 to 20 months. This aging approach preserves the natural fruit character while adding a subtle textural complexity.

This 100% Pinot Noir has an alcohol content of 12.9%, a pH of 3.44, and an acidity level of 6.3 g/L, resulting in a wine with lively acidity, moderate alcohol, and refined structure.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Ruby red with violet hues, reflecting its youth and freshness.
• Aroma: Aromas of raspberries, cherries, and floral notes, accented by herbal hints of oregano and thyme, and a subtle touch of truffle, capturing the cold-climate character of Patagonia.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with silky tannins and a lively natural acidity. The palate offers red fruit flavors layered with herbs and a mineral edge, leading to a long, delicate finish marked by finesse and depth.

Did you know?

The Otronia vineyards in Sarmiento are among the southernmost in the world, pushing the boundaries of viticulture. The constant Patagonian winds and cold temperatures require intensive management but also contribute to the wine’s distinctive profile of fresh acidity and elegance. Bodega Otronia’s commitment to crafting “block wines” ensures that each bottle reflects the unique characteristics of its specific vineyard parcel.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roast Duck with Herb Sauce: The wine’s acidity and red fruit notes complement the rich flavors of duck, while its herbal nuances enhance the herb sauce.
• Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Thyme: The earthy mushroom flavors pair well with the wine’s truffle notes and mineral edge, creating a balanced pairing.
• Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: The wine’s acidity and delicate fruitiness harmonize with the sweetness of beets and the creamy tang of goat cheese.
• Rack of Lamb with Rosemary: The wine’s refined tannins and herbal notes resonate with the flavors of lamb and rosemary, enhancing the dish’s savory profile.

History of Bodega Otronia Estate

Founded in 2008, Bodega Otronia began as an ambitious project to plant vines in one of the world’s southernmost wine regions. Under the guidance of winemaker Juan Pablo Murgia, recognized as one of Argentina's top young winemakers, the estate successfully overcame the challenges of harsh winds, frost, and a short yet intensely sunny growing season. This commitment has positioned Otronia as a leader in producing organic wines that balance vibrant acidity with pure fruit expression.

Region and Vineyards

The vineyards of Bodega Otronia, planted at an altitude of 300 meters in the cold, dry region of Sarmiento, Chubut, benefit from constant winds and limestone-rich soils. These conditions limit disease pressure, enabling organic viticulture with minimal intervention. Each vineyard block is carefully managed to optimize terroir expression, producing wines with distinct minerality and complexity.

Wine Range

Bodega Otronia produces a select range of wines crafted to reflect the challenging environment of Sarmiento. The flagship series includes:

• 45 Rugientes Pinot Noir: Named after the “roaring forties” winds, this Pinot Noir highlights fresh red fruit flavors, fine tannins, and a distinct minerality, emblematic of the region’s rocky soils.
• Block III & VI Chardonnay: Known for its vibrant acidity, complexity, and subtle minerality, this Chardonnay captures the tension and balance of the estate’s cool-climate vineyards.
• Otronia 45 Rugientes Merlot and Pinot Noir blends: These blends are made with a focus on showcasing the high-altitude Patagonian terroir, where freshness, structure, and finesse are key.

Each wine is vinified with techniques like whole-cluster fermentation and aging in large French oak foudres and concrete vats to enhance complexity and maintain the natural freshness imparted by the cold Patagonian climate.

Did you know?

Bodega Otronia’s location at latitude 45°33' S places it within the notorious “roaring forties” wind belt, which brings persistent, high-intensity winds that help to reduce disease pressure naturally. This windy, cool environment is not only challenging for vine management but also contributes to the unique quality of the wines, allowing Bodega Otronia to produce organic wines with remarkable natural acidity and aging potential.