Winemaker Notes
Vivacious red in color, this wine offers aromas of plum jam and raisin combined with pipe tobacco, vanilla and toasted notes. On the palate, it is well-balanced and fruity with sweet and soft tannins, as well as plumb and chocolate notes. Pleasant finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
Ripened by the UV light at some of the highest vineyards in Argentina, this is violet scented and chocolate rich. A little smoky oak brings out its savory side while vibrant acidity highlights the juiciness of the fruit. It’s a big red, yet fresh and easy to drink.
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Wine Spectator
An elegant red that offers a lively and well-structured mix of juicy red fruit and savory spice flavors framed by silky tannins. Finishes with notes of chocolate and hints of cream. Drink now through 2021.
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.