I was introduced to the wines of Domaine Nico a few years ago at a tasting. They wines were shown side by side with much more expensive Burgundies. It was amazing how well they held their own against some pretty stiff competition., most of which priced out at $20-30 more per bottle.
Domaine Nico is the world's first extreme high-altitude parcela Pinot Noir. It is an unusual location for the New World with limestone soil of alluvial origin and cool climate and a labor of love for the Catena family.
The Grand Meré is an elegant and classic Pinot Noir that fits the name "Grandmother". Laura Catena has a profound respect for what grandparents do for children, and she wanted to honor their love and wisdom with this wine. 8184 Bottles Produced.
About the Vineyard
Villa Bastias is a 5 acre plot located in Tupungato within the Uco Valley. The vineyard is old and planted with Dijon Clones in 1993. The Grand Mère parcel gets more sun than the Grand Pere block, with generous and silky tannins. Winemaking is traditional and gentle for these delicate wines. Yields are extrememly low in both sites due to the age of the vineyard.
Wine Production
Fermented with 20% whole clusters and indigenous yeast in small vats of 800L. Punch-down extraction done by hand with max. fermentation temperature reaching 25C. Maceration took place over 7-10 days and malolactic fermentation took place in barrel.
Tasting Notes
Red cherry and strawberry fruit aromas. It opens to black cherry fruit with spicy undertones of cinnamon, clove, and black pepper.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 91 Points
The 2018 Grand Mère Pinot Noir was produced from vines in Villa Bastías in Tupungato and matured in second and third use French barriques for 18 months. It's floral, expressive and fresh, following the style of the 2016 but somehow riper than the 2019 I also tasted next to it. All wines show great balance, freshness and nuance. 8,184 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2019.
