El Esteco Old Vine 1946 Malbec 2022

Region and Vineyards

This wine is sourced from the Las Mercedes Estate in the Cafayate Valley, located in the province of Salta, Argentina, at an altitude of over 1,700 meters. This high-altitude region is renowned for its extreme growing conditions, which result in intensely aromatic wines with vibrant acidity. The unique climate features intense sun exposure during the day and cool nights, fostering slow ripening and enhancing flavor concentration.

The vineyard was planted in 1946, and the pergola-trained, own-rooted vines are over 70 years old. The soil is sandy-loam with low fertility, encouraging the vines to produce low yields of highly concentrated fruit. Irrigated by pure Andean meltwater through surface furrows, the vines produce an average yield of 8,500 kg/ha, delivering fruit of remarkable character and intensity.

Winemaking

The crafting of Old Vines 1946 Malbec begins with meticulous care. Each vine is carefully monitored and hand-harvested at optimal ripeness in March, during the cool morning hours. The grapes are placed into 18 kg bins to ensure their integrity and promptly transported to the winery.

Once there, the grapes undergo sorting and pre-fermentation maceration in 3,000-liter ovoid vats for five days, allowing for gentle extraction of color and aromas. Fermentation follows immediately using native yeasts, emphasizing the wine’s connection to its terroir. After devatting, the wine returns to the ovoid vats for natural malolactic fermentation, enhancing its texture and complexity. The wine is bottled unfiltered and aged for 6–8 months in bottle, ensuring a pure and authentic expression.

Tasting Notes

• Color: A vibrant violet hue with excellent intensity. Its legs leave a vividly colored trail down the glass.
• Aroma: Delicate and fruity, with notes of red berries, plums, and fresh herbs, providing both brightness and complexity.
• Palate: Intense and powerful on the attack, with a fresh mid-palate showing prominent tannins and a long, balanced finish.

Did you know?

The Las Mercedes Estate vines date back to 1946, making them some of the oldest Malbec vines in Argentina. The pergola training system, used traditionally, protects the fruit from intense high-altitude sunlight, preserving freshness and aromatic complexity.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary: Enhances the wine’s herbal notes and tannic structure.
• Roasted duck with plum sauce: Matches the fruit-forward character and smooth texture of the wine.
• Mature cheeses like Pecorino or aged Manchego: Balances the wine’s intensity and freshness.
• Mushroom risotto with thyme: Highlights the wine’s earthy and herbal undertones.

History of El Esteco

The story of El Esteco began in 1892, when David Michel and Gabriel Michel, two French immigrants, founded the winery in the remote and pristine Calchaquí Valley. Their vision was to harness the extreme conditions of this high-altitude region to produce wines of unparalleled character and depth.

Over the decades, El Esteco has remained a cornerstone of Salta’s viticulture, contributing to the global recognition of the Calchaquí Valley as a premier wine-producing region. Today, the winery spans over 1,000 hectares, of which approximately 500 hectares are under vine, planted with both local and international varieties. Under the stewardship of a dedicated team of winemakers, El Esteco has continued to innovate while respecting its historical roots, producing wines that embody both tradition and modernity.

Region and Vineyards

The Calchaquí Valley, located at altitudes of over 1,700 meters above sea level, is one of the world’s highest wine-producing regions. This unique location offers extreme growing conditions, including intense sunlight, cool nights, and minimal rainfall, resulting in wines of remarkable aromatic intensity, vibrant acidity, and robust structure.

El Esteco’s vineyards feature a variety of soils, from alluvial and sandy-loam to rocky terrains, which are meticulously managed to match the characteristics of each grape variety. The estate practices sustainable farming methods, utilizing meltwater from the Andes for irrigation and preserving the valley’s natural ecosystem. These practices ensure the grapes express the purity and authenticity of the Calchaquí Valley terroir.

Wine Range of El Esteco

El Esteco is renowned for its diverse and high-quality wine range, which reflects the unique attributes of its vineyards:

• Old Vines Series: Limited-edition wines from historic vineyards, such as Old Vines 1946 Malbec and Old Vines 1945 Torrontés, showcasing Argentina’s viticultural heritage.
• Don David Reserve: A tribute to the winery’s founder, offering varietal expressions like Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Torrontés, known for their balance and elegance.
• El Esteco Blend de Extremos: Crafted from grapes grown in extreme conditions, these wines highlight the diversity of high-altitude terroirs.
• Altimus: The pinnacle of El Esteco’s portfolio, representing the best fruit and winemaking expertise in blends of exceptional depth and complexity.

Did you know?

The Calchaquí Valley, home to El Esteco, boasts vineyards that are among the highest in the world, with some parcels reaching altitudes of over 3,000 meters. These extreme conditions create wines with unmatched intensity, freshness, and character.