2019 Domaine Nico Histoire D'A Pinot Noir Uco Valley Mendoza

Uco Valley in Argentina is one of the most celebrated new world wine regions. This place has a charm like no other. It’s not only famous for its wonderful landscape overlooking the Andes mountain range, but also for its top-quality wines that have been highly awarded and are worthy competitors of some of the biggest names in the wine industry.

Inside Uco Valley, there’s a hidden gem, a place James Suckling refers to as “Mendoza’s Montrachet”, known locally as Gualtallary. Gualtallary is one of the highest points in the entire country and today, it is one of the most acclaimed regions in the world.

This outstanding region is home to Domaine Nico, a winery owned by no other than Laura Catena. Laura is a big name in the wine industry and one of the most celebrated vintners worldwide. She’s the current director of the family estate Catena Zapata, where she has made impressive improvements in all areas. The Washington Post said "Since Laura Catena took over the leadership of the winery and began to produce wines, Catena wines are increasingly unique and expressive. Catena Zapata wines are currently among the best in the world."

Laura was named one of the "Top 25 Wine Innovators" by Grape Collective, one of the “World’s Top Women Vintners” by The Oprah Magazine, and was called “the face of Argentinian wine” by Travel and Leisure.

Laura’s personal project is Domaine Nico. She has imprinted her heart and soul onto this winery. Laura says: "Domaine Nico was born from my obsession for Burgundy Pinot Noir. When I realized we could make a Pinot Noir with the classic floral aromas, minerality, and elegance, we began studying the flavors of high altitude Pinot Noir from Mendoza.”

In Domaine Nico, Laura works with winemaker Roy Urvieta and Alejandro Vigil to produce these masterpieces: The world’s first extreme high-altitude Pinot Noir parcela. An extremely rare location for Pinot Noir in the world. Laura states that “These parcels are just magical and the Pinot Noir is aromatic, different for each location. Exactly what I dreamt of for so many years.”

Histoire d’A comes from a play on the famous pornographic novel Histoire d’O by Pauline Réage, published in 1954. Laura references the “sexiness” of this wine by calling it after the racy novel. This wine is a truly sexy, unique Pinot Noir that will absolutely enchant you too!

Aging: 18 months in 20% New and 80% second-use French oak barrels. 

Tasting Notes: 100% Pinot Noir. Spicy and herbal character, with cinnamon, black pepper, and clove. Medium bodied, beguiling as the nose draws you in. Moderate acidity with sweet and round tannins.  Red fruit and the presence of herbs such as thyme, spices, and clove. Medium-high acidity. Low alcohol. Slightly mineral and vertical mouth. Integrated oak. Grainy tannins.