Bodega Colome Estate Torrontes 2024

Region and Vineyards

The Bodega Colomé Estate Torrontés is produced in Argentina’s Salta region, specifically in the Upper Calchaquí Valley, one of the world’s highest and most remote viticultural areas. The fruit comes primarily from La Brava vineyard, situated at 1,700 metres above sea level, considered the optimal elevation for Torrontés. This site benefits from intense sunlight and a marked diurnal range, enabling the slow, even ripening of grapes and the preservation of natural acidity.

Soils are typically rocky and well-drained, which further enhances aromatic concentration and freshness in the fruit. This unique climate and topography allow Torrontés to thrive and fully express its distinctive aromatic profile—a hallmark of Argentina’s northern winegrowing frontier.

Winemaking

Crafted from 100% Torrontés, the 2024 vintage was harvested in March and bottled by May, to preserve primary aromas and freshness. Under the guidance of winemaker Thibaut Delmotte, the wine undergoes cold fermentation at 12°C, a technique that maximizes the retention of delicate floral and citrus esters.

The grapes are entirely estate-grown at elevations ranging from 1,700 to 2,300 metres, and vinified with a focus on purity, aromatics, and finesse. The resulting wine is unoaked, with fermentation and aging in stainless steel to preserve its crisp, clean style and showcase its varietal character.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale lemon with greenish hues, showing brilliant clarity and youthful brightness.
• Aroma: Intensely aromatic nose featuring rose petals, grapefruit zest, and a subtle spicy lift reminiscent of white pepper and orange blossom.
• Palate: Dry and vibrant with a juicy citrus core, rounded texture, and refreshing acidity. Medium-bodied with a silky mouthfeel and a long, elegant, floral-tinged finish.

Did you know?

Torrontés is Argentina’s signature white grape and is genetically related to Muscat of Alexandria. Its best expressions come from Salta’s high-altitude vineyards, where the intense sunlight and cooler nights enhance its exotic aromatics and balance.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Thai green curry – The floral aromatics and freshness balance well with spice and coconut richness.
• Ceviche – Crisp acidity and citrus tones mirror the lime-marinated seafood.
• Grilled shrimp with lemon and herbs – Complements the wine’s grapefruit and floral notes.
• Goat cheese tart – The wine’s freshness cuts through the richness and highlights the herbal elements.

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.