Bodega Colome Single Vineyard El Arenal Malbec 2021

Region and Vineyards

El Arenal is an emblematic single vineyard located in the high-altitude terroirs of Payogasta, in Argentina's Alto Calchaquí Valley. Planted at a staggering 2600 meters above sea level, this site exemplifies the frontier of viticulture. The name El Arenal, meaning "the sand," reflects the sandy, well-drained soils that stress the vines, leading to smaller berries and concentrated flavors.

The combination of intense UV radiation during the day and cool nocturnal temperatures creates a stark diurnal shift, ideal for preserving acidity and enhancing phenolic maturity. This natural stress, along with meticulous sustainable farming practices, allows Bodega Colomé to produce fruit of exceptional purity and character. The site is a bold choice—a testament to the pioneering spirit of Donald and Ursula Hess, who envisioned fine wine in an inhospitable but strikingly beautiful land.

Winemaking

This vintage is 100% Malbec, hand-harvested in March. The fruit undergoes careful vinification to preserve its aromatic finesse and structural integrity, under the guidance of winemaker Thibaut Delmotte. Fermentation likely involves temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to ensure a clean profile and preserve varietal character.

Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, followed by 6 months in bottle, the wine benefits from a subtle influence of wood that adds complexity without overwhelming the fruit. This regimen highlights the purity of the terroir while imparting fine-grained tannins and aromatic depth. The result is a wine that gracefully balances power, vibrancy, and refinement.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep and opaque core with a nearly black hue, lifted by youthful purple highlights that suggest vibrancy and concentration.
• Aroma: Intensely expressive nose dominated by ripe blackberries and dark cherries, layered with floral violet notes and subtle white pepper spice. Underlying mineral elements recall graphite and dry earth, while a touch of integrated oak brings hints of cocoa and sweet tobacco.
• Palate: Broad and mouth-filling with plush, ripe black fruit supported by a vibrant acidity that enlivens the mid-palate. The tannins are firm yet velvety, providing structure without harshness. A mineral edge lends definition and freshness, leading to a persistent and harmonious finish with subtle notes of spice and dried herbs.

Did you know?

El Arenal was the first vineyard planted by the Hess family in the region. Its extreme altitude places it among the highest vineyards in the world, pushing the boundaries of traditional viticulture and representing one of Argentina’s most daring winemaking endeavors.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Chargrilled ribeye steak – The wine's robust tannin structure and dark fruit core pair beautifully with grilled meats.
• Wild mushroom risotto – Earthy tones complement the mineral and spice profile of the wine.
• Lamb tagine with prunes – The savory-sweet interplay highlights the wine’s fruit concentration and spice.
• Aged Manchego cheese – Offers a salty, nutty counterpoint to the wine’s depth and structure.

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.