Amalaya Blanco 2023

Region and Vineyards:

Bodega Amalaya sources the grapes for Amalaya Blanco from the San Isidro and Las Mercedes Estates, located at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level in the Calchaquí Valley, Salta. These vineyards, among the highest in the world, benefit from extreme growing conditions that include intense sunlight, cool nighttime temperatures, and minimal rainfall (less than 150 mm per year). These factors promote slow ripening, which preserves acidity and enhances the aromatic intensity of the grapes.

The rocky and sandy soils in this region provide excellent drainage, encouraging the vines to develop deep root systems and extract minerals from the subsoil. This high-altitude terroir, coupled with the region’s unique climate, results in wines that are both complex and refreshing, with a clear expression of fruit and minerality.

Winemaking:

The Amalaya Blanco is crafted from 85% Torrontés and 15% Riesling, creating a wine that balances the floral and tropical notes of Torrontés with the crisp acidity of Riesling. The grapes are hand-harvested, ensuring that only the best fruit is selected for production. The fermentation occurs at low temperatures to preserve the delicate aromatics and freshness of the wine.

Following fermentation, the wine is aged in stainless steel to maintain its vibrant and pure fruit character. No oak is used, allowing the natural brightness of the Torrontés and Riesling blend to shine through. The resulting wine is bottled with a moderate alcohol level of 13%, ensuring it is light, refreshing, and ideal for immediate enjoyment.

Tasting Notes:

• Color: Bright, shiny gold, with a crystal-clear appearance.
• Aroma: The nose is dominated by citrus notes of grapefruit and lemon zest, with subtle floral undertones typical of Torrontés.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is delicate and silky, with a refreshing crispness. Flavors of citrus and stone fruit are complemented by a distinct mineral note, providing complexity and depth. The wine’s vibrant acidity creates a clean, refreshing finish.

Did you know?

The name Amalaya translates to “hope for a miracle” in the local indigenous language, reflecting the ancient tradition of offering gifts to the gods in hopes of a bountiful harvest. The extreme conditions in the Calchaquí Valley, where Bodega Amalaya is located, create wines that are both bold and vibrant, making this region stand out in Argentina’s winemaking landscape.

Wine Pairing Ideas:

• Grilled seafood: The wine’s crisp acidity and citrus flavors make it an ideal match for grilled shrimp or scallops.
• Fresh salads: Pair with a citrus salad or a goat cheese and arugula salad to enhance the wine’s refreshing qualities.
• Sushi: The floral notes and clean finish of the wine complement the delicate flavors of sushi and sashimi.
• Spicy Thai cuisine: The floral and citrus elements pair beautifully with spicy Thai dishes, balancing the heat and freshness.

History of Bodega Amalaya:

Bodega Amalaya was founded with a vision of exploring the untapped potential of Salta’s high-altitude vineyards. The name "Amalaya" is derived from the local indigenous culture, where it means “hope for a miracle.” This reflects the challenges and rewards of farming in the rugged terrain of the Calchaquí Valley, where winemaking is both an art and a test of resilience.

Bodega Amalaya is part of Hess Family Wine Estates, an international group of wineries that focus on quality, sustainability, and expressing the uniqueness of their regions. Under the leadership of this group, Amalaya has grown to produce distinctive wines that reflect the character of Salta’s extraordinary landscape.

Region and Vineyards:

The Calchaquí Valley, where Bodega Amalaya is located, is one of the highest wine-growing regions in the world, with vineyards situated at altitudes of 1,700 to 3,100 meters above sea level. The unique climatic conditions of the region, including intense sunlight, large diurnal temperature shifts, and rocky, well-drained soils, provide the ideal environment for producing wines of remarkable concentration and freshness.

The flagship vineyard of Bodega Amalaya is Finca San Isidro, where the rocky, alluvial soils contribute to the intensity and minerality found in their wines. The extreme altitude of these vineyards enhances the aromatic profiles of the wines while maintaining vibrant acidity, a hallmark of the region.

Wine Range:

Bodega Amalaya is known for its bold red blends and crisp whites, often featuring the region’s signature grape, Malbec, alongside other varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, and Torrontés. Their wines are characterized by their ability to express the unique terroir of Salta, with a focus on elegance, balance, and fruit purity.

• Amalaya Corte Único: This is the winery’s iconic wine, a blend that typically includes Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tannat. It is a rich, powerful wine, aged in French oak, with complex layers of dark fruit, spices, and minerality.
• Amalaya Malbec: A bright and expressive wine, showcasing ripe red and dark fruits with a smooth, velvety texture.
• Amalaya Torrontés: A fresh and aromatic white wine that captures the floral and citrusy characteristics of Argentina’s signature white grape, Torrontés.

Did you know?

The region of Salta, where Bodega Amalaya is located, experiences some of the most extreme winemaking conditions in the world. The combination of high altitude, arid climate, and rocky soils creates wines with intense concentration, making it a distinctive area for winemaking in Argentina. The Amalaya Corte Único is one of the region’s most celebrated wines, perfectly embodying the unique qualities of Salta’s terroir.