Origin
The Calchaquí 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.
Grape Variety
85% Torrontes, 15% Riesling
The grapes go through a double collection process, in the vineyard and on the sorting table in the winery. Slow fermentation at controlled temperatures follows in order to retain the character of each grape variety. Aged in steel tanks for 3 months prior to 2 months in the bottle.
Alcohol Percentage
13.5%
Cellar Potential
Drink now and over the next 18 months.
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.
Food Match
Lovely aperitif, but matches well with delicate and gently spiced shellfish, e.g. crab and chilli pasta sauce, Thai fish soup.
Practising Organic, Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
In the press
Gold- Decanter World Wine Awards 2016 and 2015
"Complex and beautiful nose with flinty, floral and guava notes. Clever use of Riesling which highlights Torrontés and works as a perfect partner. Vibrant, fresh and fruity on the palate, with a delicate, mouth-watering salinity." 95 points - Judge's comments, Decanter World Wine Awards 2016
Trophy - Torrontés and Best Argentinian White- International Wine Challenge 2014 (2013 Vintage)
Gold- International Wine Challenge 2014 (2013 Vintage)
Gold- Decanter World Wine Awards 2014 (2013 Vintage)
Rhodri Smith (verified owner) – :
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 (verified owner) – :
Fruity, vibrant, fresh and fun. Great character for small money, nice to have something so different!
Will (verified owner) – :
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 (verified owner) – :
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 (verified owner) – :
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 (verified owner) – :
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.
Oscar (verified owner) – :
Decent wine but not sure the Riesling is adding much. The citrus flavour is refreshing but it’s slightly too perfumed for my taste. That said, it does go well with fish.