CALLIA ALTA MALBEC

     Malbec isn’t a household name like a Merlot or a Cabernet is.  Mention it to some and it fashions a blank stare; but to a select few, there’s a strong and loyal following.  I was one of the former until recently.  Sure, I’ve come across the word “Malbec” in conversation, even sold a few…dozen…but I’m going to be honest.  I thought it was an Australian wine!

     The truth is, Malbec has been around for centuries.  It originated in France and was brought into Argentina in the mid-nineteenth century, where it prospered (unlike France, where the production of Malbec has dwindled because of frost and it’s fondness for catching diseases).  Callia Alta’s 2010 Malbec was grown in the Province of San Juan in the Tulum Valley.  The weather in Argentina is ideal for growing the Malbec grape—dry, lots of sunshine—and it produces a very fruity, very flavorful wine.

This Malbec is a great try.  It has a spicy flavor to it, goes down smooth and has a strong, lasting finish.  Pair it with roast meats, chicken and turkey.  I’m partial to mid- and full-bodied reds; I like a little punch, and Callia Alta delivers.  Set up the rotisserie.  Pour a glass of Callia Alta.  Become one of the following

Article Submitted By Jacki Moffa

Here's a little more about this wine

PRODUCTION AREA Country: Argentina Region: Valle de Tulum, San Juan The grapes are cultivated from vineyards located in Caucete, at 650 meters (2,133 feet) above sea level, in alluvial, sandy-textured soil. The vines are drip irrigated with snowmelt runoff from the Andes, providing the optimum amount of water to each plant. Vines are trained on trellis.
GRAPE VARIETIES 100% Malbec
WINEMAKER Oscar Biondolillo
PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES The grapes are hand-harvested and clusters are manually selected before de-stemming. Pre-fermentative maceration is performed at 12°C for 72 hours. Fermentation takes place at 24°C for 10 days. The wine is then aged in stainless steel tanks for 5 months
DESCRIPTION Color: Deep purple Aroma: Notes of spices and red fruits (cherries and plums)
Taste: Good structure, fresh and elegant mouth-feel, well-balanced with a long intense finish
ANALYSIS Alc.: 13.5% TA: 5.90 g/L pH: 3.55 SERVING SUGGESTIONS Due to the character of young red wines like Callia Alta, serve this wine slightly cooler than you would serve older red wines. A temperature of 15°C - 16°C is ideal as it allows for the integration of fruity flavors and the tannic structure of this wine.