Origin
The Calchaqui Valley is in the Salta region, northern Argentina. Situated in the foothills of the Andes it is the highest wine region in the world; the altitude ensures that nights are cool which is vital for keeping the wines fresh. Drip irrigation is necessary as the vineyards receive as little as 15cm of rain a year.
Producer
Amalaya is part of Hess Family Estates – which began in 1844 – also including Colome in Argentina, Glen Carlou in South Africa, The Hess Collection in California and Peter Lehmann in Australia. Now in its forth generation, the collection of wine producing houses is owned by Swiss financier Donald Hess.
Grape Variety
85% Torrontes, 15% Riesling
Calchaquí Valley experienced excellent conditions in 2021. The total rainfall was a little lower than usual, 167mm. The growing season was balanced without any threat from frost or disease. During ripening there was little rain so botrytis could not develop. The cloudy days ensured that the grapes were not sun burnt and retained their freshness.
Food Match
Lovely aperitif, but matches well with delicate and gently spiced shellfish, e.g. crab and chilli pasta sauce, Thai fish soup.
Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, practising organic.
Alcohol Percentage
13%
In the Press
Decanter World Wide Wines – Silver 2022
rhodrismith@btinternet.com –
Love this. Freshness and crispness from the torrontes, then strength and depth of flavour from the Riesling.
Great on a summer’s day, stands up well to a lot of typical outside summer food.
I keep on buying.
matt.wagstaff –
Fruity, vibrant, fresh and fun. Great character for small money, nice to have something so different!
Will –
Have always kept an eye out for Torrentes after a wine tasting on our honeymoon in 2015 in Buenos Aires. This was did not disappoint and took both of us right back there. A lovely wine and great with a spicy fish based dish. Here we are again buying more bottles
hewittgareth –
Very nice balance with intense stone fruit and good acidity, the fruit lasts on the palate with some good minerality, pretty easy drinking on it’s own but paired well with a seafood dish. Will buy again
ryanbrady1981 –
This wine is pale yellow in colour with youthful highlights with intense aromas of floral and citrus which are balanced, it has a crisp acidity with a long, fruit-driven finish.
vhratner –
Very nice blend of Riesling and Torrontes. Aromatic on the nose with a suprising complex palate of citrus fruits and grapefruit with a nice amount of minerality. Great value.