NQN Malma Finca La Papay Pinot Noir 2022 Neuquén, Patagonia, Argentina 75cl

Bodega Malma, formerly NQN, works the high desert of San Patricio del Chanar in Patagonian Neuquen, a region whose cool nights and long light suit the more delicate grapes especially well. Its name means pride in the Mapuche language, and the winery has championed the far south for two decades.

Finca La Papay is a single-vineyard Pinot Noir, and naming the site is a mark of confidence: the fruit comes from one identified parcel rather than a blend of many. It is a genuine single-vineyard wine, a quiet quality signal. Patagonia’s cool climate is one of the few places in Argentina where Pinot Noir truly thrives, cooled by Andean air and southern latitude.

From the 2022 harvest, this is a fresh, light-framed Pinot made for early enjoyment, with the vibrancy that cool-climate fruit brings. Chilling it lightly keeps the fruit crisp and lifted.

Expect bright red berry fruit, an earthy, savoury undertone and a soft, silky texture, with fine tannins and a clean, refreshing finish. It is delicate and food-friendly. Serve lightly chilled with salmon, duck, roast chicken or a mushroom risotto. It flatters the table without dominating it.

Argentine Pinot Noir is rare and Patagonia is its natural home, so this single-vineyard bottling is a genuine point of interest. If you enjoy lighter, fresher reds and Burgundy’s savoury side, La Papay is a lovely and honest example to explore. Serve it lightly chilled in a broad glass to catch its perfume, and it makes a graceful, easy-going red for a relaxed table.