From: Patagonia, Argentina
Varietal: 90% Malbec, 9% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot
Critical Acclaim: JS 92 James Suckling
Cherries, strawberries, dark chocolate, dried flowers and manuka honey on the nose. Deliciously round and fruity, with supple tannins and a full body. So silky and drinkable. Why wait? Drink now.
Tasting Notes: The 2021 Noemia A Lisa Malbec greets the senses with its deep violet hue, hinting at the rich and complex flavors it contains. On the nose, a captivating bouquet unfolds, revealing layers of dark berries, ripe cherries, minerals, and cocoa, underscored by subtle hints of dried flowers and manuka honey. The first sip reveals a medium-bodied wine with an excellent structure, where the luscious notes of cherry and cassis take center stage. The well-integrated tannins are supple and persistent, giving the wine a balanced, harmonious profile. As the wine evolves in the glass, delicate nuances of dark chocolate and strawberries emerge, adding depth and intrigue to the palate. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of elegance and finesse.
Pairing: This versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its rich flavors and balanced structure make it an excellent match for hearty meat dishes, such as grilled or roasted steaks, lamb chops, and slow-cooked beef stews. The wine's fruit-forward character also complements poultry dishes like roast turkey, duck (see recipe below!), or chicken in rich sauces. For pasta lovers, consider pairing this Malbec with a savory mushroom or tomato-based sauce to enhance the earthy undertones in the wine.
The complexity and balance of the 2021 Noemia A Lisa Malbec lend themselves well to vegetarian dishes that offer robust flavors and textures. For a satisfying main course, consider pairing this wine with a hearty vegetable lasagna, eggplant Parmesan, or a rich mushroom stroganoff. The wine's fruit and mineral notes will also complement dishes featuring earthy ingredients like roasted root vegetables, grilled portobello mushrooms, or a warm beet salad with goat cheese. For a more casual pairing, enjoy the 2021 A Lisa Malbec alongside a gourmet vegetarian pizza topped with olives, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes, or a flavorful bean-based chili with crusty bread.
Italian Red-Wine Braised Duck with Olive Gremolata
By David Tanis
About. Argentina is well-known for its bold and luscious Malbec wines, but the 2021 Noemia A Lisa Malbec is a true gem of the Patagonian wine region of Rio Negro. This elegant and silky wine is an exquisite blend of 90% Malbec, 9% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, offering an exciting twist on the classic Argentine Malbec. Let's explore this delightful wine and the unique terroir that shapes its character.
The 2021 Noemia A Lisa Malbec boasts a dense violet and plum color, with a bouquet of dark berries, cherry, minerals, and cocoa. Medium-bodied and excellently structured, it offers notes of cherry and cassis, balanced by persistent tannins. James Suckling rates this wine a 92, highlighting its cherries, strawberries, dark chocolate, dried flowers, and manuka honey on the nose. Its deliciously round and fruity profile is complemented by supple tannins and a full body, making it so silky and drinkable that you'll want to enjoy it right away. The perfect pairing for steak, turkey, and pasta dishes, this versatile Malbec is a must-try for any wine enthusiast.
Located on the 39th latitude, Bodega Noemia is one of the southernmost wineries in the world. The winery sits in a region of glacial origins, with poor soil and limestone-rich bedrock, benefitting from the mineral-rich waters of the Limay and Neuquen rivers. The original pre-phylloxera rootstock of the vineyards was first planted in 1932 and carefully resuscitated in 2001. Winemaker Hans Vinding-Diers oversees the estate's Massale selections to create tailored vineyard compositions. To amplify the terroir's signature in the final wines, fermentation is carried out using only indigenous yeasts. Almost all Bodega Noemia wines are produced following Argencert organic and Demeter biodynamic standards, reflecting the winery's commitment to protecting its unique patrimony.
All the grapes for Bodega Noemia's 'A Lisa' come from producers in the Mainqué area, with whom the winery has long-term lease contracts. These vineyards, boasting an average age of 40 years, are managed by Bodega Noemia's agricultural team throughout the year. This integration of local producers allows the winery to contribute to the micro-economy of the community and protect the heritage of these ancient vineyards, which might otherwise be lost to other land uses. The harvest begins in February and finishes at the end of March.
Rio Negro, the most southerly wine region in South America, is located in the north of the Patagonia region. Known for its elegant, cool-climate styles of Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Malbec, Rio Negro's terroir is shaped by the river that gives the region its name. The dry climate, hot summers, and cold winters provide a consistent environment, while the pronounced diurnal temperature variation leads to a balance of rich fruit characters and acidity in the wines. With alluvial, well-drained soils, Rio Negro's vineyards produce small, concentrated berries that result in captivating and complex wines.
