# El Esteco Malbec (2022)

- **Producer:** El Esteco
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Malbec
- **Region:** Salta, Argentina
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €14
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 17–19 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, black plum, blackberry, vanilla, cedar, earth, leather

## About this wine

El Esteco Malbec 2022 is a 100% Malbec from the Calchaquí Valleys in Salta, Argentina. The producer, Bodega El Esteco, is a historic winery founded in 1892 by French immigrants, making it a pioneer in Argentine winemaking. The wine originates from high-altitude vineyards, typically around 1,700 meters, in a region known for its arid, mineral-rich soils and significant diurnal temperature variations. These conditions are key to the wine's distinctive character.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards are situated at over 1,700 meters (5,500 feet) above sea level.
- Soils are arid, sandy, and rich in minerals.
- Grapes are hand-picked in the early morning hours.
- El Esteco is one of Argentina's pioneering wineries, founded in 1892.

## Food pairing

The full body and firm tannins of this Malbec are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes, where they can cut through fat and cleanse the palate. The wine's inherent fruit notes can complement the savory and sometimes sweet elements of grilled meats and glazes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for El Esteco Malbec involves hand-harvesting grapes in the early morning. Fermentation typically takes place in stainless steel tanks to preserve fruit purity. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes aging in French oak barrels for around 12 months, contributing to its structure and complexity. Some bottlings may also receive additional bottle aging.