Winemaker Notes
Colome Auténtico Malbec is a tribute to the pioneers, to those who worked the land from 1831. Since then, the work on these vineyards has been using environmentally sustainable practices to achieve the “authentic” expression of the terroir. This 100% Malbec comes from 90 year old vines, no added commercial yeasts and has been bottled without filtration. Intense and almost black color with violet hues, has a nose full of black and red fruit aromas and an elegant spiciness with a crispy acidity.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2014 Auténtico Malbec follows the style of the Colomé of yesteryear. Sourced from old Malbec vines, the wine fermented with indigenous yeasts, matured for some 11 months in vat and was bottled raw, without any oak. The nose is ripe and heady, with notes of cassis, blueberries, decayed violets, wild herbs, tea leaves and some spiciness, all from the landscape as there is no wood used in its production. It's very dark, purple-colored, with bright fruit from a wine that has had very little contact with air it and does not have the micro-oxygenation from the barrique. 2014 is ripe and juicy, it has the tannins and concentration of fruit to develop nicely in bottle. Great, pure, dare I say authentic Malbec giving honor to its name!
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Wine Spectator
Fresh, rich and juicy, with lively raspberry, cherry and red plum flavors backed by fresh, crunchy acidity. Lengthens out nicely midpalate, showing mineral and pepper accents. Hints of slate and tangerine emerge on the complex finish. Drink now through 2020.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
The Salta region in northern Argentina is home to world’s highest vineyards. Near the town of Payogasta, the Colomé Altura Máxima vineyard is planted at 10,206 feet in elevation.
Salta is part of the Calchaquí Valley, which benefits from more than 300 days of sun per year, subjecting its vines to considerable ultraviolet radiation. The valley experiences strong high altitude winds, even in the “lower” vineyards, which are planted at 5,413 feet. Because of these elevations and resulting extreme conditions, vines produce lower yields and thicker-skinned grapes, resulting in concentrated, aromatic and well-structured wines.
In a truly unique region, the highly aromatic variety, Torrontes, thrives; intense sun exposure allows full ripening, while cooling winds maintain the grapes’ acidity levels and phenolic balance.
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Syrah, and, particularly, Tannat have the most potential among reds.
Upscale hotels, beautiful colonial architecture, a majestic Andean backdrop and impressive food and wine make the area attractive among tourists as well.
Salta is the fourth most important Argentine wine-producing region after Mendoza, San Juan, and La Rioja. Its oldest vineyards were planted in 1862.