Amalaya Tinto 2023

Region and Vineyards

The Calchaquí Valley, located in northwest Argentina, is renowned for its elevation, standing out as one of the highest vineyard regions in the world. Positioned at 1,798 meters above sea level, these vineyards experience a dry climate with less than 150 mm of annual rainfall and a wide thermal amplitude, ideal for slow grape maturation, intensifying color, and flavor development. The soils at Finca Las Mercedes, where this wine originates, are rocky and sandy with very low organic matter, leading to a wine with natural structure and concentration.

This altitude and arid climate ensure that the grapes maintain fresh acidity while developing ripe, concentrated flavors, particularly suitable for bold red blends like Malbec, Tannat, and Petit Verdot.

Winemaking

Amalaya Tinto is a blend of 85% Malbec, 10% Tannat, and 5% Petit Verdot. The grapes are mechanically harvested from the Las Mercedes Estate and undergo meticulous selection. The wine is then aged for 8 months in French oak barrels, with only 25% of the wine aged in oak, preserving its fresh fruit character while adding complexity. The result is a balanced wine that showcases both varietal expression and the impact of this unique terroir.

The wine has an alcohol content of 14%, a total acidity of 5.4 g/L, a pH of 3.71, and residual sugar at 3.6 g/L, resulting in a round, well-structured, and refreshing finish.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Brilliant ruby with violet edges, indicating freshness and youth.
• Aroma: Aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and ripe red fruit, complemented by hints of pepper, spice, and elegant floral notes.
• Palate: Fresh flavors of red fruit, spice, and a subtle hint of vanilla from the French oak. The wine has round, soft tannins and a delicate, lingering finish with excellent freshness.

Did you know?

The name Amalaya, meaning "hope for a miracle," reflects the Calchaquí Valley’s challenging terroir, where traditional farmers relied on faith and hope for a prosperous harvest. Today, Amalaya wines continue to honor this heritage, capturing the unique characteristics of this high-altitude region through meticulous viticulture and winemaking.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Argentinian Empanadas: The wine’s balanced tannins and fruity profile complement the savory, spiced filling of traditional empanadas.
• Spicy Chorizo and Red Pepper Stew: The spice in the wine enhances the flavors of the chorizo, while its acidity cuts through the richness of the stew.
• Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Herbs: The earthy flavors of mushrooms resonate with the wine’s minerality and fresh finish, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Lamb Burgers with Mint and Garlic Aioli: The wine’s red fruit notes and soft tannins pair well with the lamb, while the mint adds a refreshing touch that complements its lively acidity.

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.