Looking at the map of northern Patagonia, it is hard to believe that anything could grow in this desert part of Argentina. But if you enlarge the image, you can see the winding green line that runs along the Rio Negro River. Here, in this oasis in the middle of the steppe, some of the world’s most exquisite wine flavors were born. Bodega Noemia has taken the best of this unique region to share its richness and energy with the world. The world has appreciated the rich terroir and winemaking excellence. The brand has been recognized by wine lovers and industry experts, and this year, it became the winner of Luxury Lifestyle Awards in the category of The Best Luxury Wine in Argentina.

The Bodega Noemia project was founded in 2001, but its history would be incomplete without mentioning the events of a century ago. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Italian hydraulic engineer Cesare Cipolleti developed an ingenious system of canals, thanks to which the waters of the Río Negro, Limay, and Neuquén rivers began to irrigate the lands of the Río Negro valley, turning them into fertile soil. This allowed immigrants who appreciated the potential of this microclimate to plant 1.5 hectares of Malbec grapes there in the early 1930s.

By the beginning of the 21st century, however, this vineyard had been abandoned. In 2001 the Italian countess and wine producer Noemi Marone Cinzano and the prestigious Danish winemaker Hans Vinding-Diers bought the grapes from this vineyard, and in 2003 they became owners of the entire vineyard. The critical success of the first batches of wine at the wine fair inspired the founders of Bodega Noemia to revive the vineyard and use these vintage grapes to pursue their dream of making the finest wine. The high acclaim from the toughest critics and experts, including the Luxury Lifestyle Awards committee, showed that this decision was absolutely right. In 2018, Hans acquired 100% ownership of the winery and moved to live there with his Argentine wife Maria-Belen and two children, Juan Andreas and Francisco.

Bodega Noemia property is located near the town of Mainqué. It includes two vineyards, a 1953 winery, and an old tractor shed. The vineyards are separated by a small water channel that irrigates the soil with water from the snowy peaks of the Andes. This, combined with rich limestone rocks, winds from the Andes, and other factors have created a favorable setting for making luxurious wines rich in minerals and distinctive hints of fruit.

Bodega Noemia Patagonia makes three wines: A Lisa (named after Hans Vinding-Diers’ grandmother), J Alberto (homage to Noemi’s father and cousin), and Noemia (signature wine).

The grape clones for A Lisa are supplied by producers from the Mainqué area; their average age is 40 years. The wine is a blend of 90% Malbec, 10% Merlot. J Alberto is a 95% Malbec and 5% Merlot blend, made from grapes planted in 1955 in a 4-hectare vineyard. Four times a year, the vineyard is irrigated with the purest water from the Rio Negro river. The second vineyard of 1.5 hectares grows Malbec vines, planted in 1932, from which Noemia wine is made. The vineyard is divided into four independent parts, allowing for individual care of each one. Four custom-made fermenters by the famous Surtep coopers are used to ferment each part.