# El Esteco Viñedos de Altura Malbec (2024)

- **Producer:** Bodega El Esteco
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Malbec
- **Region:** Salta, Argentina
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, plum, blackcurrant, violet, black pepper, vanilla, cedar, smoke, toast

## About this wine

Bodega El Esteco, founded in 1892 by French immigrants, is a pioneer in Argentina's high-altitude winemaking. Located in the heart of the Cafayate Valley in Salta, the estate benefits from extreme conditions: over 300 days of sunshine per year, very low rainfall, and a massive diurnal temperature swing. At 1,700 meters above sea level, the grapes develop thick skins to protect themselves from intense UV radiation, resulting in wines of deep color, concentrated flavors, and remarkable natural acidity. This Malbec represents the unique terroir of these high-altitude desert vineyards.

## Interesting facts

- At 1,700 meters above sea level, the vineyards receive intense solar radiation, forcing grapes to develop thicker skins for protection.
- Bodega El Esteco was established in 1892, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in the remote Cafayate Valley.
- The extreme diurnal temperature variation in Salta can exceed 20°C, preserving the wine's vibrant natural acidity.

## Food pairing

The robust structure, firm tannins, and high acidity of this high-altitude Malbec require rich, protein-heavy dishes to soften the tannins. Grilled red meats, particularly those with a bit of fat like ribeye, are perfect matches. The wine's herbal and dark fruit notes also complement roasted meats seasoned with rosemary or thyme, while its regional roots make it a classic partner for traditional Argentine beef empanadas.

## Wine making process

Grapes are hand-harvested from selected high-altitude parcels in the Cafayate Valley. Upon arrival at the gravity-fed winery, the fruit undergoes a cold maceration to extract primary fruit aromas and color. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using selected yeasts. A portion of the wine is aged in French and American oak barrels for approximately 9 to 12 months to add complexity and soften the tannins, while the remainder is kept in stainless steel to preserve the vibrant, fresh fruit character.