Amalaya Gran Corte 2021

Amalaya Gran Corte 2021

 

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Amalaya
Gran Corte 2021
  • Vintage : 2021
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Salta
  • Subregion
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14°
  • Grappes : 85% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Tannat

Amalaya Gran Corte is an expressive high-altitude blend led by Malbec, with additions of Cabernet Franc and Tannat, showcasing the intensity and elegance of the Calchaquí Valley terroir.

Experts Score Vintage
TA Tim Atkin 92 2020
RP Robert Parker 91 2020
JS James Suckling 91 2020
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Calchaquí Valley, located in northwest Argentina, is known for its unique high-altitude terroir, making it one of the highest vineyard regions globally. At an altitude of 1,798 meters, the vineyards receive minimal rainfall—around 150 mm annually—and experience significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. These extreme conditions slow grape ripening, concentrating flavors and preserving acidity. The soils in the Finca San Isidro vineyard are rocky and sandy, with very low organic matter, which imparts structure and minerality to the wine, enhancing its depth and longevity.

This high altitude and arid climate allow the grapes to achieve intense color, rich aromas, and balanced acidity, ideal for producing complex red blends.

Winemaking

Amalaya Gran Corte is composed of 85% Malbec, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Tannat. The grapes are hand-harvested in March and April, followed by careful selection. Fermentation occurs in small cement vessels, preserving the wine’s fruit expression and natural minerality. The wine is then aged for 12 months in both French and American oak barrels, which adds layers of complexity and roundness without overpowering the fruit.

With an alcohol content of 14.5%, total acidity of 5.7 g/L, a pH of 3.71, and 3.7 g/L of residual sugar, this wine achieves a harmonious balance between structure, fruitiness, and elegance.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep, radiant ruby, showing intensity and concentration.
  • Aroma: Aromas of red fruits and berries, accented by spicy undertones typical of the region, with soft vanilla hints from oak aging.
  • Palate: Luxuriant and elegant on the palate, with ripe fruit flavors, rounded tannins, and a long, delicate finish that reflects the depth and minerality of the Calchaquí Valley terroir.

Did you know?

The name Amalaya reflects the deep-rooted traditions of the Calchaquí Valley, where farmers prayed for a miracle—a “bountiful harvest.” The Gran Corte line continues this legacy, capturing the extreme terroir’s unique characteristics through careful vineyard management and innovative winemaking practices.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Beef Tenderloin with Chimichurri: The wine’s structure and ripe fruit profile complement the richness of beef, while its acidity balances the flavors of chimichurri.
  • Duck Confit with Roasted Root Vegetables: The wine’s depth and tannic structure pair well with the savory flavors of duck and earthy root vegetables.
  • Aged Manchego Cheese: The wine’s balance of fruit and spice enhances the nutty, intense flavors of Manchego, creating a refined pairing.
  • Mushroom and Thyme Risotto: The earthy flavors of mushrooms echo the wine’s minerality, while its acidity cuts through the richness of the risotto.

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.

Tim Atkin (TA) : 92 Points (2020)

Robert Parker (RP) : 91 Points (2020)
2020 was quite different in the north than in Mendoza, as in Salta it was a rainier year. The harmonious and elegant 2020 Gran Corte shows very well, with nuance and subtleness, serious, with moderate ripeness. It's a blend of Malbec with 9% Cabernet Franc and 6% Tannat that feels very integrated and complementing each other. It matured in neutral, well-seasoned oak barrels for 12 months. A bargain. 100,000 bottles.

James Suckling (JS) : 91 Points (2020)

Amalaya Tinto 2022
Amalaya Tinto 2022
Amalaya
Tinto 2022
TA
91
RP
89
WE
91
Amalaya Tinto is a vibrant blend of Malbec, Tannat, and Petit Verdot from the high-altitude vineyards of Argentina’s Calchaquí Valley, offering a fresh and balanced profile with complex layers of fruit and spice.
19,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Amalaya Blanco 2023
Amalaya Blanco 2023
Amalaya
Blanco 2023
JS
91
RP
88
DCT
93
The Amalaya Blanco offers a refreshing, crisp white blend, combining the floral elegance of Torrontés with the acidity and freshness of Riesling.
15,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Amalaya Corte Unico Finca San Isidro 2021
Amalaya Corte Unico Finca San Isidro 2021
Amalaya
Corte Unico Finca San Isidro 2021
RP
90

The Amalaya Corte Único is the iconic wine of Bodega Amalaya, representing the pinnacle of what the northern region of Argentina has to offer. This bold, structured red blend is crafted from carefully selected grapes grown in the rocky, alluvial soils of Finca San Isidro, located in the heart of Salta.

32,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
22,90 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
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