Bodega Norton Malbec
Bodega Norton Malbec is one of the iconic wines of the Mendoza (Argentina) region. Forbes.com covered this dynamic winery recently.Â
One key reason is that Bodega Norton is the oldest “modern” winery in Mendoza.
Though Bodega Norton produces wine from mostly Bordeaux variety red grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec) in many ways Bodega Norton Malbec can be considered the signature wine.
Argentine Malbec
Do you remember your first taste of Malbec wine from Argentina?Â
I remember mine.
Perhaps it was the dark, intense, purple color that attracted my eye.Â
Then, once in the glass, I could detect the rich concentrated scent of ripe intense plum.
On the palate, the sumptuous mouthfeel and the velvet texture of the wine rendered it so tantalizing I felt compelled to take a second sip.
In contrast, the traditional Malbec wine of its ancestral home in Cahors, France, typically has lower alcohol and less plush tannin (link).
2006: The Year of Bodega Norton Malbec
2006 marks the year that Bodega Norton Malbec, Malbec from other producers, and Bodega Norton’s Bordeaux style red blends became widely popular in the US Market.
Whether consumers responded to Malbec’s  rich, ripe concentration of flavor, the whisper of vanilla and toast from French oak, or the affordable (around $15 – 20 price) Argentine Malbec was a quick hit.
Visiting Mendoza, ArgentinaÂ
One doesn’t need to visit Mendoza to appreciate Malbec.
One doesn’t need to visit Mendoza to appreciate Malbec.
But the visit will help explain to you just how the climate, terroir, and proximity of the Andes Mountains contribute to the wine’s concentration of flavor.
Tasting Bodega Norton Malbec in Mendoza
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In 2010, I had the good fortune to visit Mendoza and taste Bodega Norton Malbec.
Before my visit, I carefully studied the reasons for Bodega Norton’s English sounding name.
I also saw that wine critics regularly gave Bodega Norton Malbec and their red blends top scores.
History of Bodega Norton
The winery takes its name from English engineer Edmund J. P. Norton.
Entranced by the beauty of Argentina, Mr. Norton imported Malbec vines from France and planted them in Mendoza.  Â
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The Gernot Langes-Sworovski Era
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Almost 100 years later, Austrian businessman Gernot Langes–Swarovski also responded to the beauty of Mendoza.Â
He purchased Bodega Norton in 1989.
Mr. Langes–Swarovski’s strongest desire was to produce wines that would achieve fame and critical praise for their high quality. For this endeavor, he would spare no expense.
Today the Norton vineyards, managed by Mr. Langes–Swarovski’s son Michael, have over 680 hectares under vine.
Besides supplying the world with fine wine, the vineyards support the workers and families all over Mendoza.
Norton Chief Winemaker David Bonomi
Many Argentine winemakers are “imported” from France or other countries.
Norton Chief Winemaker David Bonomi grew up in Argentina surrounded by vines, as his father had his own vineyards.
In 2017, Decanter magazine included David Bonomi in its list of the Top 10 Best Winemakers in South America.
Bodega Norton David Bonomi in Manhattan
Recently David Bonomi traveled to Manhattan to host a vertical wine tasting of the signature wine called Gernot Langes.
Most wine writers associate Bodega Norton with red wines. So Mr. Bonomi surprised us by presenting the new Norton sparkling wine, called 101 Bubbles, produced from the Gruner Veltliner grape variety.
Argentina: Range of Altitudes
One characteristic that separates Argentina from other winemaking regions in S. America is its range of altitudes.
The Gruner Veltliner grapes, grown at extremely high altitudes, gave this wine racy high acidity.
Premium Red Wines
Two premium red wines followed. The first was the 2018 Reserva Malbec, aged in 100% new French oak.
This delicious wine punched above its weight with zesty acidity, smooth tannins, and rich black fruit.Next up was the Privada Family Blend 2016, a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot–aged in French oak
Until recently, the Swarovski family reserved this wine for their own personal consumption.Now this blended wine is available for everyone to taste and purchase.
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The Vertical Tasting Comprising 2016, 2015, 2014, 2010, 2008, and 2006
The vertical tasting included blended wines made from Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Exact percentages can vary with the vintages.
The wines were all aged in 100% new French oak for 18 months, with all vintages displaying finely integrated tannins.
Each vintage offered ripe black fruit, zesty acidity, and tannins that ranged in texture from velvet in 2006 to powdery in 2015.
Visiting Norton Winery Mendoza
During normal times, you can visit the Norton Winery in Mendoza and make a day of it.
Bodega Norton Mendoza offers an assortment of tours and special events like blending classes, cooking classes, and visits to the vineyard. You can even arrange for a scenic picnic on the property.
Guests can also bicycle along the vines, go on a “photography safari,” or just relax and gaze out at the beauty of the Andes mountains at the La Vid Restaurant.
VIP guests (you can become one, just ask) can make a reservation for an exclusive tasting of the winery’s most iconic wines in the cellar.
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Traveling to Mendoza
The city of Mendoza is about an hour from the international airport.Â
Americans can travel in a variety of different ways, with some flights from JFK offering direct flights.Â
Most flights connect through Chile. This is a brilliant choice if you plan on visiting other wine regions in Chile (the flight between the two countries is just about an hour).
If you do visit Chile, the Montes Winery is a must.Â
A Special Note
If you do not plan to visit vineyards in Chile, try to avoid a connection through Chile.Â
The airport is modern and beautiful. Yet the non-stop lines and various screening checkpoints for agriculture and livestock can take an hour or more.
