Amalaya Corte Unico Finca San Isidro 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Amalaya Corte Unico Finca San Isidro hails from the Cafayate Valley in the Salta province of northern Argentina. This region is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, with vineyards situated at altitudes ranging from 1,600 to 2,000 meters above sea level. The high altitude and unique microclimate contribute to the development of intense, concentrated flavors in the grapes.

The vineyards of Finca San Isidro are characterized by their rocky, alluvial soils, which provide excellent drainage and reduce vine vigor, leading to lower yields of high-quality fruit. These conditions, combined with the intense sunlight and cool nighttime temperatures, result in grapes that achieve optimal ripeness while retaining their natural acidity.

Winemaking

The Amalaya Corte Unico Finca San Isidro is a blend of 90% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Tannat. The grapes are meticulously harvested at different times to ensure each variety reaches its peak maturity. Malbec is picked in early March, while Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat are harvested at the end of March.

Fermentation occurs in new barrels, followed by aging for 12 months in French oak. This process enhances the wine's structure and complexity, imparting subtle oak flavors and allowing the wine to develop a unique character that is both elegant and powerful.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, vibrant ruby with purple hues.
• Aroma: An inviting bouquet of spicy aromas with floral notes, ripe black fruits, marmalade, and dark chocolate.
• Palate: The wine presents a luscious, full-bodied texture with flavors of mature fruits, marmalade, and chocolate, balanced by a strong concentration in the center of the palate. The finish is long and soft, ideal for relaxed enjoyment.

Did you know?

The name "Amalaya" translates to "hope for a miracle" in the local indigenous language. For centuries, farmers in the region made offerings in hope for a bountiful harvest, a tradition that reflects the deep cultural heritage and connection to the land at Finca San Isidro.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Argentine Asado: The rich, smoky flavors of a traditional Argentine barbecue complement the intense, spicy notes of the wine.
• Beef Bourguignon: The hearty, savory elements of this classic French dish pair well with the wine's full-bodied texture and dark fruit flavors.
• Roquefort Cheese: The strong, tangy character of this blue cheese contrasts beautifully with the wine's rich, fruity palate.
• Mushroom Risotto: The earthy, umami flavors of the risotto enhance the wine's complex profile and provide a harmonious pairing.

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.