Bodega Noemia : J Alberto Malbec 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes of the J Alberto Malbec 2022 from Bodega Noemia

Tasting

Appearance
This wine reveals a deep, dark violet hue, enhanced by inky reflections.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet shows great intensity, dominated by aromas of blackberry, black raspberry and boysenberry. Earthy touches intertwine with notes of smoked graphite and a beautiful saline minerality.

Palate
The palate offers a texture that is at once dense, fluid and compact, supported by an elegant structure. The fine, elongated tannins balance perfectly with a vibrant acidity that brings a particularly juicy freshness. The lingering finish reveals subtle notes of Worcestershire sauce, crushed sweet leaves and graphite.

Food and wine pairings
This cuvée will pair wonderfully with poultry, red meats, veal or game. For more daring combinations, it will ideally accompany delicate caviar or truffle-based dishes.

The pure expression of a great Patagonian Malbec

The estate
Founded in 2001 with its first vintage, the Bodega Noemia brand was born from the partnership between Noemi Marone Cinzano and winemaker Hans Vinding-Diers. Located in Patagonia, this exceptional estate stands out for its old pre-phylloxera vines and its minimalist approach. Since 2018, Hans Vinding-Diers has been the sole owner and director of this wine estate. Cultivating its land according to rigorous organic and biodynamic principles, the estate has built a solid international reputation by producing pure, distinctive wines, true ambassadors of the extreme and singular terroir of this southern region.

The vineyard
Located in Mainque, in the upper Rio Negro valley, this 4.5-hectare Argentine vineyard was planted in 1955. It is characterised by pre-phylloxera vines from a massal selection, thriving below the 39th parallel south on alluvial soils. Divided into five plots benefiting from a north-south exposure and varied drainage conditions, the site is certified organic by Ecocert and managed according to biodynamic practices. Grass cover and composting are maintained throughout the year, with no trimming or copper treatment. Irrigation is carried out gradually by levelling, three to five times a year.

The vintage
The year began with a mild winter in 2021, marked by the influence of the La Niña phenomenon. Spring proved dry, sparing the vines from significant frosts, followed by a particularly hot and arid summer season. On 20 February, unusual and intense rainfall, bringing 70 millimetres of water in a single hour, helped relieve the water stress of the plants, providing ideal conditions to continue the harvest with peace of mind.

Vinification and ageing
The manual harvest of the J Alberto Malbec 2022 began at the end of February. Upon arrival at the cellar, the grapes are gently crushed. Fermentation took place with 30% whole clusters, favouring a gentle infusion-style extraction, with no acidification. After early pressing, malolactic fermentation was completed in vat. Ageing then continued for 18 months in a blend of varied containers: cement vats, 600-litre demi-muids, 225-litre barrels and ceramic vessels.

Grape varieties
Malbec (95%), Merlot (5%).