Yummy, yum, yum, yum. The Amalaya Malbec, a consistently good wine.
85% Malbec, 10% Tannat and 5% Petit Verdot from the Finca Las Mercedes vineyard at 5,900 feet above sea level in Cafayete – Calchaqui Valley, Argentina. 25% of the wine spends 8 months in French oak barrels and it has residual sugar of 2.95 g/L.
Sample submitted for review. The Amalaya Malbec has an SRP of $17 and is available for as low as $10. Imported by The Hess Collection Winery.
In Salta’s high desert, Amalaya vineyards begin a mile above sea level, far above the Calchaqui Valley floor. For centuries, farmers made offerings in hope for a miracle – as Amalaya translates in the local language – for a bountiful harvest. Extreme conditions stress our sustainably farmed wines, delivering fruit of intense flavor concentration and uncommon depth. Rich red fruits and a hint of spice, balanced with approachable tannins, make Amalaya enjoyable on its own or with a variety of bold dishes.
13.9% Alcohol
Today’s wine is one we’ve enjoyed many, many times over the last 10 years. It has been a consistent choice for us when eating out as vintage after vintage it continues to deliver — even at the ridiculous marked-up prices at most restaurants! And while there are small changes year to year, it has yet to let us down. Today we’re checking out the latest.
The 2017 Amalaya Malbec needs a bit of air to open up but then reveals a very pleasant aroma of plum, raspberries, spice, licorice and a touch of balsamic. Taking a sip shows the wine to be smooth and tasty with lots of sweet dark, tart fruit and nice touches of spice, licorice and balsamic just like the nose. It’s bit different style (more sophisticated, perhaps?) than what you find in Mendoza. The Tannat and Petit Verdot also help to bulk it up a bit and add some complexity. The wine ends dry with a burst of licorice, spice and pepper along with long lasting tart fruit notes on the tannic finish. It’s consistent with the flavors all the way through from nose to finish and based on previous vintages we’ve tried it’s consistently good from year to year as well.
Ready to buy? Check your local retailers for this wine.
You may also want to check more of our favorite wines from Argentina!
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