NoemiaPatagonia, Argentina

Bodega Noemía is an exceptional boutique winery located in the Río Negro Valley of Patagonia, Argentina. Known for crafting some of the most refined and elegant wines in the country, Bodega Noemía is celebrated for its focus on old-vine Malbec and its commitment to biodynamic and organic viticulture. Founded by Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano and renowned Danish winemaker Hans Vinding-Diers, Bodega Noemía has quickly risen to prominence in the world of fine wine, producing world-class, terroir-driven expressions of Patagonia's unique climate and soils.

History of Bodega Noemía

The story of Bodega Noemía began in the early 2000s when Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano, former owner of the historic Tuscan estate Argiano, discovered a remote vineyard in the Río Negro Valley of Patagonia. This vineyard, which had been planted with Malbec vines in the 1930s, was in poor condition but showed incredible potential due to its age and isolation. Recognising the unique characteristics of this vineyard, Cinzano partnered with Hans Vinding-Diers, a highly respected winemaker, to restore the property and create wines that reflect the purity and distinctiveness of this terroir.

Together, Cinzano and Vinding-Diers set out to implement biodynamic and organic farming practices, focusing on sustainability and the preservation of the vineyard's natural balance. The result was the creation of Bodega Noemía, a project that has since gained international acclaim for its meticulously crafted wines and its pioneering role in showcasing the potential of Patagonia as a premium wine region.

Terroir of Patagonia

The Río Negro Valley, located in the northern part of Patagonia, is an ideal region for viticulture due to its cool climate, long growing season, and unique soil composition. The region’s high-altitude vineyards benefit from hot days and cool nights, which allow the grapes to ripen slowly while retaining acidity and developing complex flavours.

The soils of the Río Negro Valley are a mix of alluvial deposits, sand, gravel, and limestone, which contribute to the mineral character and structure of the wines. The natural isolation of the region also helps protect the vineyards from pests and diseases, making it easier to practice organic and biodynamic farming. The combination of old vines, cool climate, and diverse soils gives Bodega Noemía’s wines their distinctive balance of fruit concentration, freshness, and complexity.

Winemaking Philosophy

At Bodega Noemía, winemaking is an artisanal process that prioritises minimal intervention and respects the integrity of the grapes. The winery is certified organic and follows biodynamic principles, with a focus on promoting biodiversity in the vineyard and maintaining the health of the soils. Grapes are hand-harvested, sorted, and fermented using indigenous yeasts in small tanks to ensure precise control over the winemaking process.

The wines are aged in a combination of French oak barrels and concrete tanks, allowing them to develop structure and depth without losing their natural vibrancy. Bodega Noemía’s approach to winemaking is rooted in the belief that the best wines come from healthy vineyards that reflect the unique character of their terroir.

Signature Wines of Bodega Noemía

Bodega Noemía produces a range of wines, but it is best known for its flagship wine, Noemía, a 100% Malbec sourced from the estate’s old vines. This wine is celebrated for its elegance, concentration, and complexity, offering a blend of dark fruit, floral notes, and a long, mineral finish. Other standout wines include A Lisa, a more accessible blend of Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, and J. Alberto, a single-vineyard Malbec with bright fruit and excellent balance.