Domaine Nico
Brand Description
Domaine Nico is the world’s first extreme high-altitude parcel Pinot Noir. It is an unusual location for the New World, with limestone soil of alluvial origin and a cool climate, and it is a labor of love for the Catena family.
The vineyard is named after Laura’s daughter, Nicola, whose name pays homage to Nicola Catena, Laura’s great-grandfather and founder of the Catena winery in 1902. Laura Catena has been in love with Pinot Noir since her first travels to France as a teenager. A self-avowed francophile, Laura studied French throughout university. She has a lifelong obsession with authors Sartre and Camus, as well as with the Louvre and the Centre Georges Pompidou, where she has spent countless hours.
With Domaine Nico, Laura borrows from France in the names of the wine parcels and in the concept of individual terroirs but also plays with the words to give the wines a modern twist that’s reflective of their style.
Location of Vineyard
With 3,675 to 4,921 feet of elevation, Domaine Nico is the world’s first extreme high-altitude parcel Pinot Noir. The parcels are extremely small and range within the Uco Valley from Villa Bastais to Gualtallary, all within the Tupungato region. With Domaine Nico, the Uco Valley proves itself to be a new terroir for the highest quality Pinot Noir.
Winemaking and Viticulture Philosophy
Winemaker Roy Urvieta’s Agronomy Ph.D. thesis at the Universidad de Buenos Aires focused on uncovering the scientific basis for flavors. Currently, Roy is working with Laura Catena to elaborate authentic and elegant high-altitude Argentine Pinot Noir.
Domine Nico sources grapes from small parcels and produces wines from fifteen different microvinifications. Each lowproduction microvinification is fermented with indigenous yeasts, and some use whole cluster fermentation. The wine ages in French oak barrels until it’s ready for bottling.
Winery Profile
Winemaker: Roy Urvieta
Total acreage under vine: 20
Founded: 1902
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