Bodega Colome Altura Maxima Malbec 2019

Region and Vineyards

Altura Máxima Vineyard, perched at a dizzying 3,111 metres above sea level, is located in the remote upper reaches of the Calchaquí Valleys, Salta, in northwestern Argentina. This is among the highest vineyards in the world, planted in a breathtaking location near the borders of Bolivia and Chile, and surrounded by the Andes.

The vineyard’s soils are calcareous with granite substrata, and the extreme elevation means more solar exposure but reduced UV protection. This results in thicker-skinned grapes with intensified phenolics and natural acidity. The area’s remoteness and challenging conditions demand sustainable farming and meticulous care. The result is fruit of great aromatic purity, depth, and structure, harvested from just 23 hectares planted between 2007 (VSP) and 2010 (Parral).

Winemaking

This wine is made from 100% Malbec, harvested by hand in April 2019, with only 15 tons produced. Winemaker Thibaut Delmotte, who has been crafting Colomé’s wines since 2005, emphasizes terroir expression while drawing on his French training.

Fermentation is followed by an extended aging of 24 months in third- and fourth-use French oak barrels, which allows the fruit and mineral character to shine without overt oak influence. Only 34 barrels were produced, underscoring the wine's exclusivity. Bottled with cork closure, this is a Malbec of precision, elegance, and power—and exceptional ageability.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep violet-ruby with a nearly opaque core and youthful brightness at the rim.
• Aroma: Intense and lifted bouquet of wild blackberries, cassis, and violets, with subtle notes of graphite, crushed rock, black tea, and a whisper of spice from bottle aging.
• Palate: Full-bodied and structured, showing firm yet silky tannins, high natural acidity, and a core of dense, fresh black fruit. The mouthfeel is powerful but balanced, with a long, mineral-driven finish and lingering floral and earthy complexity.

Did you know?

Altura Máxima was a visionary project of Donald Hess, who defied viticultural boundaries by planting vines at over 3,100 metres. This vineyard holds the official record as the highest commercial vineyard in the world, a place where viticulture is not only extreme but also inspiring in its results.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Dry-aged ribeye steak – The wine’s tannic backbone and acidity are ideal with the richness and umami of premium beef.
• Roast duck with blackberry reduction – Complements both the fruit profile and the wine’s savory depth.
• Lamb tagine with Moroccan spices – The wine’s bold structure and floral notes harmonize with the complexity of spice and slow-cooked meat.
• Truffle risotto – Earthy tones resonate with the wine’s mineral and subtle oak character.

History of Bodega Colomé

Bodega Colomé, founded in 1831, is one of the oldest working wineries in Argentina. The estate is located in the remote and rugged Calchaquí Valley in the Salta province, known for its extreme altitude and dramatic landscapes. Colomé's vineyards are situated between 2,300 and 3,111 meters above sea level, making them some of the highest vineyards in the world.

The winery's long history began with its establishment by the Spanish governor of Salta, Nicolás Severo de Isasmendi y Echalar. In 1854, his daughter, Ascensión, married José Benjamín Dávalos and brought the first French pre-phylloxera Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon vines to Colomé.

In 1998, Donald Hess embarked on a journey to find the best wines of South America. His quest led him to the Northern Argentinian province of Salta, where he was inspired by the brilliant sunlight and excellent terroir, sparking his vision to pioneer a new category called ‘high altitude’ wines. Under the ownership of the Hess Family Wine Estates, Colomé has grown into a beacon of high-quality Argentine wine production, focusing on sustainable farming and minimal intervention winemaking practices.

Region and Vineyards

Bodega Colomé is located in the Calchaquí Valley, a region characterized by its high altitude, intense sunlight, and large diurnal temperature variations. These conditions contribute to the development of grapes with thick skins, concentrated flavors, and balanced acidity.

The vineyards of Colomé span across four distinct sites:

• La Brava Vineyard - Situated at 1,750 meters, it features sandy soils with more rocks, producing delicate red fruit with soft tannins.
• Colomé Estate Vineyard - Located at 2,300 meters, it boasts the oldest continuously producing vines in Argentina, offering complex aromas and flavors of both black and red fruits, along with spices.
• El Arenal Vineyard - At 2,600 meters, the soil bestows the fruit with more concentrated flavors and aromas, resulting in deep red wines.
• Altura Máxima Vineyard - The highest vineyard at 3,111 meters, known for producing intensely flavored wines with floral notes and delicate tannins.

These diverse vineyard sites enable Bodega Colomé to produce a range of wines that capture the essence of their high-altitude terroirs.

Wine Range

Bodega Colomé produces a variety of wines that highlight the unique characteristics of their high-altitude vineyards. Their portfolio includes:

• Colomé Estate Malbec: A flagship wine known for its depth, complexity, and aging potential.
• Colomé Estate Torrontés: A vibrant and aromatic white wine that showcases the best of the indigenous Torrontés grape.
• Colomé Auténtico Malbec: An old-vine Malbec made without oak influence to express pure fruit and terroir.
• Colomé Altura Máxima Malbec: A high-altitude Malbec from the world's highest vineyard, offering exceptional intensity and minerality.
• Colomé El Arenal Malbec: A tribute to the pioneering spirit of Bodega Colomé, produced from a vineyard at 2,600 meters.
• Colomé 1831 Malbec: A wine crafted from vines planted in 1831, exclusive and elaborated from more than 100-year-old vines.

Sustainable Practices

At Bodega Colomé, sustainable farming practices are integral to their philosophy. The protection and conservation of natural resources are essential, and the winery relies on biological fertilizers and fosters biodiversity rather than using herbicides. This commitment to sustainability ensures that the soils and vines remain healthy, and the community participates harmoniously in this ecosystem.

Did you know?

Did you know? The Altura Máxima Vineyard at Bodega Colomé is recognized as the highest vineyard in the world, sitting at an astonishing altitude of 3,111 meters above sea level. This extreme altitude contributes to the unique flavor profile and exceptional quality of the wines produced from this site.

Wine Tourism

Bodega Colomé is not only a winery but also a destination for wine and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy farm-to-table meals sourced from the estate’s sustainable gardens and stay at the boutique Estancia Colomé hotel, which offers nine spacious rooms surrounded by lavender gardens and vineyards. The estate also features the James Turrell Museum, showcasing works by the renowned American artist, making it a unique cultural experience.