Ever since it was first described as 'the end of the earth' by Charles Darwin - ironic in a way, since it inspired a book called 'On the Origin of Species' -  Patagonia has had mythic status for its remoteness and awe-inspiring beauty. It is now emerging as a source of unique wines with a too-good-to-be-true story - one of the least populated and least polluted habitats on earth, the Andes, endless windswept plains, dinosaur bones, penguins - and now, astonishingly, wine.

Bodega Noemía is collaboration between Danish winemaker Hans Vinding-Diers and Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano. Hans Vinding-Diers (whose cousin is Peter Sisseck of Pingus and Hacienda Monasterio fame) is the winemaker for the estate.  The project is new, but intriguingly viticulture in Patagonia is not: Bodega Noemia was inspired by the discovery of a small plot (1.5 hectares) of old vine, pre-phylloxera Malbec in the Río Negro Valley, where almost non-existent rainfall and incessant breezes make vine diseases virtually unknown.

A Lisa is a blend of Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, combining estate and fruit purchased from neighbours. All the fruit is hand-picked.  The goal is to attain the highest possible quality with the least possible intervention, producing wine that is a true reflection of its pristine environment.  Fermentation takes place in a combination of cement vats and stainless steel tanks. Elevage follows in a combination of cement, 3rd and 4th use oak barrels and stainless steel. The resulting wine is classically structured, with a dense core of ripe brambly fruit balanced by uplifting, bright acidity - a function of high altitude and the moderating effect of cool night temperatures.  It is delicious, age worthy and tremendous value.                          

Bodega Noemía routinely receives rave reviews. Wine & Spirits Magazine has selected the estate as one of its Top 100 Wineries in both 2012 and 2013.