With over 15,000 worldwide submissions, El Esteco was the Argentine most awarded winery in 2014 Decanter World Wine Awards UK.
When people talk about Argentine Wine, Malbec and Mendoza always comes first. What most aren’t aware of, is the existence of the Calchaqui Valley, a hidden gem located in the Northwest of Argentina, 1,000 kilometers north of Mendoza, capable of delivering exceptional lines. This remote and exquisite desert which only can be reached after a 3 hour drive from Salta city through winding roads, displays a unique terroir making this region wines quite distinctive.
What is so special about the Calchaqui Valley?
- High Altitude Vineyards: The Calchaqui Valley is amongst the highest vineyards in the world. Vines grow from 1,700 up to 3,000 meters (5,600 up to 9,800 feet) above sea level.
- Intense Character: Due to the high altitude and intense sunlight radiation, Calchaquí wines tend to develop a strong personality, delivering high concentration, accentuated colors, aromas and flavors.
- Continental Desert Climate: Surrounded by the Andes and the Aconquija mountain range, the Calchaquí Valley is protected from the humid winds of both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, allowing healthy vineyards to thrive.
- Exclusiveness: Less than 2.5% of Argentine wine production comes from this remote location. El Esteco lies in the heart of the Calchaqui Valley. A pioneer in the art of winemaking, this long-living winery together with a hardworking and passionate team, continues to excel with its latest vintages, gaining international recognitionand positioning El Esteco as the iconic winery of the Calchaqui Valley.
EL ESTECO’S LATEST RELEASES
Amaru High Vineyards – Fruit-driven range of wines, aiming to express the essence and distinctiveness of the valley. Amaru counts with a Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Torrontes, and, a unique in its kind,Torrontes Rosé.
El Esteco – El Esteco range carries the winery’s name as a tribute to its history and expertise. Its two varietals, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, are designed to offer great finesse and complexity, delivering an authentic wine from the Calchaqui Valley.
El Esteco Chañar Punco – Since its begining, El Esteco has engaged in the adventurous quest to find remote, unique locations for its vines within the Calchaqui Valley. Chañar Punco is the result of one of these successful quests. Chañar Punco 2011 is a high altitude field wine crafted to offer concentrated personality and great structure. Only eight barrels have been produced of this true “Gran Vino Tinto Argentino”.
Written by Decanter
