La Savante

This wine typically exhibits more reduction than other Domaine Nico crus, characterized by notes of phosphorus or gunpowder. Winemaker Roy Urvieta offers several hypotheses for this prominence, but the sensation often dissipates quickly in the glass. What remains are pure aromas of red fruit and hints of sweet spice from its year in wood, 10% of which is new oak. On the palate, firm, sharp tannins are a hallmark of the vineyard’s limestone soils. La Savante is sourced from a 1.45-hectare plot planted in 1994 within the Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary. Situated at roughly 1,450 meters, about 100 meters higher than Histoire d'A, it is typically harvested two weeks later, benefiting from the intense limestone concentration.

La Savante, or “The scholar” in the feminine, pays homage to scholarly women, for whom Laura Catena may be the best model. One can be severe and feminine simultaneously, like this wine. This Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley pinot sits 1450 metres above sea level on loose, sandy, loam soil over compact calcium carbonate. Finally, all that sits over 90% boulder debris with dispersed calcium carbonate. Minerality is a strong theme here, along with forest floor, mushrooms, and ample Burgundian character. Citrus and orange peel thread through a low alcohol, high acid pinot for aficionados.