# Domaine Nico Grand Père Pinot Noir (2022)

- **Producer:** Domaine Nico
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** 100% Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Mendoza, Argentina
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €36
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, red cherry, red plum, strawberry, cranberry, rose, violet, eucalyptus, vanilla, cedar, smoke, earth, mushroom, forest floor, wet leaves

## About this wine

Domaine Nico Grand Père Pinot Noir 2022 hails from the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina, a region known for its high-altitude viticulture. This wine is the personal project of Dr. Laura Catena, aiming to produce single-parcel Pinot Noir that captures the unique terroir. The vineyard is situated at 1,120 meters above sea level in Villa Bastías, Tupungato, on alluvial soils with limestone. The wine is made from 100% Pinot Noir, specifically the Dijon 115 clone, from vines planted around 1993. Domaine Nico is recognized for its pioneering approach to high-altitude Pinot Noir, seeking to emulate the elegance and complexity found in Burgundy.

## Interesting facts

- Named after Laura Catena's daughter, Nicola.
- Vineyard planted around 1993, making them older vines.
- Pioneering 'extreme high-altitude parcel Pinot Noir'.
- Inspired by the great Pinot Noirs of Burgundy.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity and medium body cut through the richness of proteins like duck and pork, while its fine tannins complement the meat's texture. Earthy notes in dishes like mushroom risotto or mushroom ragout create a harmonious bridge with the wine's own subtle earthy undertones.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Domaine Nico Grand Père Pinot Noir 2022 emphasizes minimal intervention and terroir expression. Grapes are fermented using indigenous yeasts, with a significant portion of whole clusters included to enhance structure and aromatics. The wine is then aged in French oak, utilizing a combination of foudres and used barrels to allow for gradual integration and development. This approach aims to capture the purity of the fruit and the distinctive character of the high-altitude Uco Valley vineyard.