Bodega Colome Autentico Malbec 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Calchaquí Valleys, located in the northwest of Argentina, are home to some of the highest vineyards in the world. The Auténtico Malbec is sourced from a single vineyard at 2,300 meters above sea level, where extreme altitude conditions shape the wine’s distinctive profile. At this elevation, grapes receive more direct sunlight and less UV protection, resulting in thicker skins, deeper color, and greater concentration of flavors. The high altitude also preserves natural acidity, lending freshness and balance to the wine.

The vineyard is farmed with sustainable practices, respecting the land’s unique ecosystem. The region’s dry climate, rocky soils, and significant diurnal temperature variation contribute to the wine’s robust tannic structure, intense aromatics, and remarkable aging potential. This Malbec is grown on its own roots, emphasizing the purity of its genetic material and the authenticity of its expression.

Winemaking

Crafted using traditional winemaking techniques, Auténtico Malbec is produced without oak influence, allowing the natural fruit character and terroir to shine. The grapes are hand-harvested in March and April, then fermented using pigeage (punch down) to extract maximum color, tannins, and flavors while maintaining finesse.

The wine is aged for 10 months in stainless steel tanks, followed by an additional 10 months in bottle before release. This aging process preserves freshness, vibrancy, and the purest expression of fruit and minerality. With minimal intervention, this Malbec remains a true reflection of its high-altitude origins, offering a bold yet balanced structure.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, intense purple, showcasing its high-altitude concentration.
• Aroma: A complex bouquet of cherries, blackberries, figs, and cassis, intertwined with clove, spice, and mineral nuances.
• Palate: Crisp and robust, with high concentration and ripe, round tannins. The lack of oak allows the pure fruit expression and mineral freshness to dominate, leading to a long, structured finish with remarkable intensity.

Did You Know?

Bodega Colomé is one of Argentina’s oldest wineries, founded in 1831, and is home to some of the highest-altitude vineyards in the world. The estate’s commitment to low-intervention winemaking and sustainable viticulture ensures that each bottle reflects the true character of its terroir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled ribeye with chimichurri – The wine’s bold tannins and fresh acidity balance the richness of the meat and the herbal notes of the sauce.
• Lamb stew with Andean spices – The dark fruit and spice notes complement the dish’s depth and complexity.
• Matured Manchego or aged Gouda – The wine’s structured tannins and acidity contrast beautifully with the cheese’s nutty, savory profile.
• Dark chocolate and dried fig tart – The wine’s cassis and fig notes mirror the dessert’s richness while its acidity provides balance.

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.