Winemaker Notes
Fruit-friendly, youthful and dynamic, Callia wines inspire consumers to find some ‘me’ time; to take a break and reward themselves for all their daily efforts that propel them forward. Callia’s philosophy is based on the notion that reconnecting with oneself and others while enjoying the simple pleasures in life, helps us to restore balance and find happiness. Born from passion and legend, Bodegas Callia is named for a young woman who arrived in the land of San Juan many years ago. She wrote to her family describing San Juan as paradise endowed with abundant fruits, despite the desert landscape. Her name was Callia and today, for the people of Argentina, Callia is synonymous with hope, endurance and success. Bodegas Callia celebrates the spirit of this illustrious woman.
The winery’s goal is to produce the best wines in San Juan and the best Shiraz in Argentina. Along with creating quality wines, Callia continues to respect and support the people, nature and community surrounding the winery. Bodegas Callia is situated in the Tulum Valley in Argentina’s province of San Juan. It is nestled between the Pie de Palo hills to the north and the Cerro Chico Del Zonsa to the south. Two finca estates encompass 700 acres of land: Finca Pie de Palo and Finca 9 De Julio. At 630 meters above sea level, the area is blessed by temperate climate, low rainfall and rich sandy alluvial and clay loam soil; the result is intense and fruity wines that reflect the rich terroir of this region.
Winemaker Gustavo Daroni also grew up in San Juan and became interested in winemaking from an early age. Gustavo comes from a line of winemakers, starting with is grandfather, who imparted a passion for this industry that continues to sustain his career in the field. After attending Instituto Superior de Enología de San Juan (Higher Institute of Wine-making in San Juan), he worked at Bodegas Graffigna, before coming onboard as winemaker at Bodegas Callia.
This very hot and arid region produces fine red wines from Bonarda, Syrah and Malbec and solid, fruity white wines from Pinot grigio, Viognier and Chardonnay.
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.