Author: Dirk Chan
Our online feature this week is the 2020 Bodegas Colome Amalaya Malbec (Cafayate Valley, Argentina) – $18.49 (regularly $22.99).
Amalaya means “hope for a miracle” in Argentina’s native indigenous dialect. The wines are an exquisite representation of the unique weather and desert conditions in northwest Argentinas Cafayate Valley situated high – 200 miles from the border of Bolivia. The plantings are in high elevation (over 5000 feet above sea level), one of the highest around which allows for ripe grape-growing from the intense sun during the daytime and cool nights which results in concentrated fruit expression with bright acidity, a lingering mouthfeel and very fine balance.
Grapes are hand-harvested in small 30-pound boxes and hand-sorted at the winery. A four-day cold maceration adds colour, followed by an extended maceration in stainless steel tanks for three weeks. Secondary malolactic fermentation is allowed to occur in stainless steel prior to aging for 10 months, with 40% of the wine in once-used French oak barrels prior to fining and bottling. Fining occurs using egg whites from the farm at Amalaya.
This wine got huge scores from the Decanter Magazine, it is a sure-fire winner for everyday drinking with or without food.
2020 Bodegas Colome Amalaya Malbec (Cafayate Valley, Argentina) – $18.49 (regularly – $22.99