Amalaya, `Gran Corte` Calchaquí Valley

Origin

The estates’ vineyards are located in the Cafayate Valley in the very heart of the Calchaquí Valley, distinguished for being the highest wine region in the world. The climate here is very dry, with just 150mm of rain in an average year and a huge temperature difference of around 20°C. The soils here are rocky, poor and sandy so the roots of the vines are forced to dig deep to find the vital nutrients and water they need, which in turn results in a huge concentration of flavour within the fruit. The average age of the vines is 35 years old. They are trained using both pergola and vertical shoot positioning and planted at a density of 2,700 plants per hectare and 3,800 plants per hectare respectively.

Producer

Amalaya translates as ‘hope for a miracle’ in the indigenous language of the now extinct tribe, the Calchaquí. The winery is situated in the Calchaquí Valley in Salta, in the far north of Argentina, at 1,828 metres above sea level. It is a part of Hess Family Wine Estates and is run with the same dedication to quality, sustainability and social responsibility as the other Hess estate in the region: Bodega Colomé.

Amalaya has 80 hectares planted with Malbec, Torrontés, Riesling, Tannat, Petit Verdot, Bonarda, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot, with another 40 hectares in development.

Grape Variety

85% Malbec, 9% Cabernet Franc, 6% Tannat

Alcohol Percentage

14.5%

In the Press

Decanter World Wine Awards 2022 – Silver