Bodega Noemia : J Alberto Malbec 2021

Tasting characteristics and tips for the J Alberto Malbec 2021 from Bodega Noemia

Tasting

Color

The wine displays a vivid purple hue with deep violet highlights, edged with garnet at the rim of the glass.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity, opening on delicate floral notes of violet. These are joined by intense black-fruit aromas such as black cherry, blackberry, and black raspberry, alongside nuances of saline blackcurrant and smoky graphite. With aeration, the bouquet evolves toward hints of caramelized blueberry, vanilla, and sweet spices, enhanced by subtle balsamic and peppery notes.

Palate

On the palate, the wine charms with a juicy, creamy attack, carried by refined, subtly present tannins. The structure is elegant and balanced, unfolding intense flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and plum in perfect harmony with bright, refreshing acidity. The mid-palate shows lovely complexity with notes of plum, cedar, and sandalwood. The long, persistent finish stands out for its mineral, saline character, leaving an impression of freshness and vibrant energy.

Food and wine pairings

The J Alberto Malbec 2021 pairs ideally with grilled red meats, herb-crusted lamb, or game such as venison. It also matches well with charcuterie and aged cheeses like Manchego or bold blue cheeses. For a regional pairing, opt for Patagonian lamb empanadas.

Serving and cellaring

The J Alberto Malbec 2021 can be enjoyed now or cellared until around 2040. It is best served at a temperature of 16 to 18°C.

A Patagonian Malbec of rare mineral elegance

The estate

Founded in 2001 by Danish winemaker Hans Vinding-Diers and Italian countess Noemi Marone Cinzano, Bodega Noemia established itself in the Río Negro Valley in Patagonia, at 39 degrees south latitude. Since 2018, Hans Vinding-Diers has been the sole owner and lives full-time on the estate with his family. The vineyard covers around six hectares, including 1.5 hectares of pre-phylloxera vines planted in 1932, farmed under certified organic and biodynamic practices. This exceptional Patagonian location, defined by significant diurnal temperature variation and calcareous alluvial soils, lends the wines striking mineral elegance and precision.

The vineyard

The J Alberto Malbec 2021 comes from a four-hectare vineyard located in Mainqué, in the Río Negro Valley, at around 240 to 250 meters above sea level. Planted in 1955 using massal selection, the vines are ungrafted and rank among the oldest in Patagonia. The terroir is characterized by soils rich in sand, gravel, and alluvial deposits over a limestone bed, providing excellent drainage. The vineyard is divided into five distinct parcels with varying soil profiles and exposures, each managed and harvested separately. The region’s continental climate is marked by pronounced temperature swings between day and night, encouraging slow ripening and the development of fresh acidity.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage in Patagonia was marked by relatively dry and windy conditions during the summer. Warm, sunny days alternated with cool nights, creating a diurnal range of around 20°C. These conditions allowed the grapes to reach optimal ripeness while preserving bright acidity and low pH levels. Despite an overall cooler profile in Argentina, the Río Negro region benefited from a favorable balance between concentration and freshness, giving rise to wines with particular vibrancy and energy.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the J Alberto Malbec 2021 are hand-harvested in March at optimal ripeness. After refrigerated transport, they are vinified in small temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks with indigenous yeasts. Maceration is followed by malolactic fermentation. Aging takes place over 12 months, with around 30% of the wine aged in used French oak barrels and the remainder in stainless-steel tanks or concrete eggs. This approach favors the expression of fruit and terroir rather than the influence of new oak. The wine then benefits from a few months of bottle aging before release.

Grape variety

Malbec (100%).