Medium ruby color; cherry, raspberry, plum, truffle, herbs, smoke, baking spice, vibrant fresh floral notes on the nose and palate.
Dry; mild, silky tannins and excellent supporting acidity (3.42 pH). Medium body. Mouth-watering freshness from initial attack through finish. Pleasing texture. 100% organically farmed pinot noir grapes from the world’s southernmost winery—at 45th parallel, Sarmiento, Chubut Province, Patagonia, Argentina on the shores of Lake Musters. Grapes fermented in concrete, 50% whole cluster. Aged 18-20 months in untoasted French oak foudres—very large wine barrels (660-1320 gallons) to lessen the oak influence. Juan Pablo Murgia in the winemaker. 13% ABV
Otronia is part of the Bulgheroni stable of premium wines scattered around the world. Alejandro Bulgheroni is an Argentine billionaire who made his fortune in oil and gas. He entered the wine industry in 2007 and has built an impressive portfolio of 14 certified organic operations around the world. In the U.S., Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate is a winery founded in St. Helena, Napa Valley, in 2014.
Bulgheroni’s Patagonian effort began in 2010 with the planting of pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot gris, gewürztraminer, torrontés, riesling, merlot, and malbec grapes. The soil is of lake origin with clays, alluvial and wind sands—it is adjacent to Lake Musters. Winds are persistent and the dry climate guarantees the production of disease-free, organic grapes. Sarmiento is an arid—less than 10 inches annual rain—and much milder temperatures than regions to the south.
Winemaker Juan Pablo Murgia earned a degree in enology. In 2021, Master of Wine Tim Atkin names him “Young Winemaker of the Year” in his special report on Argentina. Atkin highlighted Juan Pablo’s work with organic grapes in Mendoza and Sarmiento. In 2022, Juan Pablo was named “Winemaker of the Year” in Argentina’s prestigious Cescorchados 2022 guide.
Otronia Pinot Noir, Patagonia, Argentina 2020 is balanced, excellent fruit from world’s southernmost winery. All fruit is estate grown and organically farmed. Delivers complexity and finesse. Smooth, juicy, correct tart acidity and silky tannins, impressive effort that completely avoids the brooding darkness of some pinots. Pricey, but appealing. Pair with lamb and wild game meats—venison, boar, wild turkey. Grilled river fish, where its elegance does not overpower the fish. Grilled vegetables; grilled portobello mushrooms. Pasta dishes with mushroom or cream-based sauces. Cheese—soft and lighter cheeses—brie, camembert, gruyere, medium-aged gouda, taleggio, cambozola. $75-85
