Medium ruby color; strawberry, cranberry, earth, faint rose petals on faint nose; raspberry, strawberry, red plum
Dry; delightfully delicate; soft tannins and acidity (3.65 pH). Light-plus body. All estate grapes, 100% pinot noir. Hand harvested in small boxes. Cold maceration followed by alcoholic fermentation in concrete vats and stainless steel tanks; 30% whole clusters. Native yeasts. Malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. Percentage of the wine aged in French oak for a year, but the oak influence is subtle. In fact, every aspect of this wine is subtle, delicate. Which is a wonderful way to go with pinot noir. 14% ABV
Bodega Aniello is located in Patagonia, the southernmost tip of Argentina. The 006 references the blocks of pinot noir. The block is adjacent to the Rio Negro, making if one of the few if not the only Patagonian vineyard located next to a flowing river (the label identifies this as “Riverside Estate.” The winery was founded in 1927 and completely renovated in 2013. The estate is almost 136 acres and located in a desert climate with large diurnal shifts that help intensify fruitiness while preserving acidity. Located between 38 degrees and 42 degrees southern latitude, it means Patagonia enjoys and extra hour of sun from the main Argentine plantings during the growing season.
Low relative humidity and natural controls significantly reduces the incidences of grapevine diseases. Strong Patagonian winds cause the grapes to develop a thicker skin, concentrating tannins, color, and aromas. But this is not a powerful pinot noir, rather it demurely presents itself with delicate and delicious fruit and etherial mouthfeel. I particularly enjoy this style of pinot noir and suggest you may, too. Give it a swirl.
Pinto noir is an Aniello specialty, and so it shines in the sandy soils adjacent to the Rio Negro as far south as you can get in the Americas. This is yet another demonstration of the astonishing value and quality of wines from Argentina. There are the massive makers in the center of the country, and they produce huge quantities of superb and superbly affordable wine. Then there are the more artisanal, boutique wine in niches in the Argentine wine world. This is one of them. Patagonian wines are special and you should seek them out.
Bodega Aniello 006 Pinot Noir, Rio Negro, Argentina 2020 delivers beautiful structure and is a delicate, demure, elegant iteration of pinot noir. Lovely, lovely wine. Many of the principals throughout the winery are women, by the way, which may influence their delicious approach to pinot noir. Pair with salmon and other meaty fish; roast turkey and other poultry; lighter beef, veal; barbecue pork ribs; pepperoni pizza; lamb chops; portobello mushrooms; charcuterie board. Cheese—brie, gouda, manchego, cranberry nut goat cheese. $15-20
Bodega Aniello website (Spanish language)
