Bodega Amalaya

Bodega Amalaya sits at 1,828 metres in the Calchaquí Valley, Salta—one of Argentina's most dramatic high-altitude vineyard sites. The name translates as 'hope for a miracle' in the indigenous Calchaquí language. What sets Amalaya apart is their commitment to quality and sustainability as part of the Hess Family Wine Estates, the same group behind the respected Bodega Colomé. They deliver fruit-driven Argentine wines with real finesse and transparency—wines that genuinely reflect the terroir of this semi-arid Andean region.

About Bodega Amalaya

Amalaya works 80 hectares of established vineyard across two fincas, with a further 40 in development. Finca Las Mercedes sits at 1,770 metres on deep sandy soil, while Finca San Isidro reaches 1,800 metres with rocky soils—both locations demand precision in water management. The climate is semi-arid with only 120–180mm annual rainfall, so the vineyard relies on drip irrigation fed by mountain run-off stored in reservoirs. This high altitude and constrained water supply naturally stress the vines, concentrating flavour in the fruit.

The winery plants Malbec, Torrontés, Riesling, Tannat, Petit Verdot, Bonarda, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot. Red wines ferment in small concrete tanks; whites in stainless steel. The signature blend of Torrontés and Riesling pairs the weight and aromatics of Torrontés with Riesling's freshness and citrus cut. The Malbec combines intense berry character with spice, using 25 per cent French oak (second-use) aged eight months. The Gran Corte—their more serious offering—blends Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Tannat, aged 12 months in second and third-use French and American oak. It delivers vibrant red fruit and blackberry with vanilla spice and supple tannins. All Amalaya wines share a fruit-forward philosophy unified by finesse and a clear sense of place.

Bodega Amalaya Wines in Our Collection

The 2024 Calchaquí Valley Malbec is the entry point—a direct expression of the high-altitude site with intense berry and spice. Step up to the 2022 Gran Corte Calchaquí Valley for a more layered experience: Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Tannat aged in oak, delivering blackberry, red fruit and vanilla spice with structure. Both Gran Cortes reward patience—the oak is still integrating—and work beautifully with food or as an evening glass when you want more complexity than the straight Malbec.

Food Pairing

The Malbec's berry and spice suit grilled lamb, beef empanadas, and chorizo. The Gran Corte's darker fruit and oak work with slow-cooked beef stews, venison, and aged hard cheeses. The Torrontés-Riesling is an underrated food wine: try it with ceviche, salt-baked white fish, or spiced chicken dishes where the citrus and weight balance heat and richness.

What makes Amalaya's location special?

At 1,828 metres in the Calchaquí Valley, it's one of Argentina's highest vineyard sites. The altitude, rocky and sandy soils, and semi-arid climate (120–180mm rainfall) naturally concentrate flavour in the fruit.

Why does Amalaya use second-use oak?

Second and third-use oak adds subtle spice and vanilla without overpowering fruit. The Malbec uses 25% second-use French oak for eight months; the Gran Corte ages 12 months in mixed second and third-use barrels for balance.

Which Amalaya wine should I start with?

The 2024 Malbec shows the site directly at entry price (90 points). When ready for more complexity, try the Gran Corte—a Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Tannat blend with oak integration and depth.

Who makes Bodega Amalaya wines?

Bodega Amalaya is part of the Hess Family Wine Estates group, also behind Bodega Colomé. The winery sits at 1,828 metres in Argentina's Calchaquí Valley, Salta, working 80 hectares across two mountain fincas.

What style of wine does Bodega Amalaya make?

Amalaya makes fruit-driven reds and whites reflecting high-altitude terroir. Their Malbec combines berry and spice (90 points); their Gran Corte blends Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Tannat with blackberry, red fruit and vanilla spice (up to 92 points). A signature Torrontés-Riesling white also available.

How much does Bodega Amalaya wine cost?

Amalaya wines range between £12.30 and £18.70. Entry-level Malbecs and the white blend sit around £12–£13.45; the premium Gran Corte blends cost £17.25–£18.70.