Amalaya Gran Corte 2023
Bodega Amalaya Gran Corte is an exceptionally rich and powerful Argentinian red wine crafted in the breathtakingly beautiful Calchaquí Valley. Set within the northern region of Salta, this pioneering estate boasts some of the highest vineyards on the planet. The vines are planted at an extreme altitude of almost two thousand metres, where they endure intense daytime sunshine followed by dramatic drops in temperature at night. This demanding environment forces the grapes to develop incredibly concentrated flavours while retaining a brilliant natural freshness, resulting in the estate's flagship premium red blend. While the foundation of the wine is built on the country's famous Malbec grape, the winemaking team expertly blends in smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Tannat to add remarkable structural depth and a touch of herbal complexity. To elevate the wine even further, it is matured for up to twelve months in fine French and American oak barrels. This careful ageing process softens the natural power of the fruit and introduces a beautiful layer of sweet vanilla and toasted spice. Completely vegan friendly, the final liquid is remarkably smooth and deeply satisfying. In the glass, it pours a strikingly deep and intense ruby red colour, opening with a bold perfume of crushed black cherry, ripe plum, and warm baking spices. Every sip delivers generous waves of dark woodland berry and rich chocolate, all held together by velvety tannins and a wonderfully long, warming finish. Because of its incredible depth and structure, this is a spectacular bottle to reserve for a special dinner party or a rich Sunday roast. It demands a truly generous centrepiece, pairing perfectly with a roasted rib of beef, a slow cooked venison stew, or a hearty mushroom and chestnut wellington.
