Domaine Nico is another enterprise from the prestigious Catena family of Argentina, founded by Dr Laura Catena. Nico is derived from Nicola, a name shared by both Laura’s daughter and great-grandfather, the founder of Catena Zapata winery. The winery was born from Laura’s fascination with Pinot Noir - Domaine Nico are interested in regionality and their range exhibits a myriad of different expressions from the complex grape.
Pinot Noir is thin-skinned and notoriously difficult to grow but has adapted well to the harsh Argentinian terroir, where pests and disease struggle to survive. Domaine Nico experiment with Pinot Noir at a variety of different altitudes within the central Mendoza region and the fruits for Le Paradis are grown highest of all, at the very limit of what is considered possible for viticulture.
Aromas of rose petals rise from the bottle, and after a few minutes of breathing, an increasingly powerful bouquet of raspberries and cherries follows. The vines were grown at more than 1500 metres above sea level in the Gualtallary region of Uco Valley in deep calcareous soil - this is one of the most high-altitude Pinot Noirs ever made. On the palate, red fruits mingle with herbs and chalky character. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, notes of earth and oak are also present. A slight spiciness emerges on the finish. This is a top-class wine with excellent structure, best enjoyed with lean meats or mild cheeses.