Nestled in the remote Calchaquí Valley of Argentina, Colomé Estates stands as one of the highest-altitude wine estates in the world. With vineyards planted at elevations ranging from 2,300 to 3,111 meters (7,545 to 10,207 feet) above sea level, Colomé’s wines are celebrated not just for their bold flavors and unique terroir but for their ability to transcend conventional expectations of what Argentine wine can be.
Nestled in the remote Calchaquí Valley of Argentina, Colomé Estates stands as one of the highest-altitude wine estates in the world. With vineyards planted at elevations ranging from 2,300 to 3,111 meters (7,545 to 10,207 feet) above sea level, Colomé’s wines are celebrated not just for their bold flavors and unique terroir but for their ability to transcend conventional expectations of what Argentine wine can be.
Founded in 1831, Bodega Colomé is one of Argentina’s oldest wineries. Owned by the Hess Family Wine Estates since 2001, Colomé’s commitment to high-altitude viticulture has produced wines of exceptional character, depth, and distinction. Swiss entrepreneur Donald Hess had a vision was to create world-class wines that captured the essence of high-altitude terroir and transformed Colomé into an estate renowned for its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The estate’s location in the Andes Mountains of northern Argentina takes advantage of the region's near-constant sunlight and pristine natural environment. At such altitudes, vineyards benefit from a purity of light that enhances photosynthesis and ripening, resulting in higher levels of tannins and antioxidants in the grapes.
The extreme growing conditions such as thin air, intense solar radiation, and dramatic temperature fluctuations between day and night force grapevines to struggle for survival. This struggle results in smaller, more concentrated berries, which yield wines with robust flavors, greater acidity, and deeper complexity. The lower oxygen levels at these altitudes slow down the ripening process, allowing the grapes to develop nuanced aromas while preserving their natural acidity.
Malbec grown at high altitudes tends to develop more intense flavors and structure, offering a more complex, fresh and refined expression compared to its lowland counterparts. Colomé’s Malbec wines display deep colors, rich aromas of blackberries, plums, and violets, with powerful tannins that are balanced by fresh acidity. The estate’s highest vineyard, Altura Máxima (meaning “maximum height”), produces some of the most distinctive Malbecs in the world, thanks to its altitude of 3,111 meters.
Torrontés, a white grape native to Argentina, also plays a crucial role at Colomé. Torrontés thrives in the high-altitude vineyards of the Calchaquí Valley, where the cooler nights and intense sunlight create wines that are aromatic and fresh, with floral notes of jasmine, citrus, and peach. A delight to sip and share, and a true example of extraordinary juice.
These wines offer a fresh perspective on familiar varietals, demonstrating that the environment plays as much a role in the final product as the grape itself.
Sustainability is central to Colomé’s philosophy. The estate practices biodynamic farming, a holistic approach that views the vineyard as an interconnected ecosystem. By eschewing synthetic chemicals and emphasizing natural cycles, Colomé ensures that its vineyards remain healthy and productive for future generations.
Additionally, the estate has implemented water conservation practices, essential in the dry and arid climate of the Calchaquí Valley. The winery is also powered by solar energy, further reducing its environmental impact.
For wine lovers seeking something extraordinary, Colomé’s bottles offer a journey to the heights of the Andes—without ever leaving home. Grown at the edge of the world, grapes from Colomé Estates offer adventure and an undeniably exceptional taste profile that every oenophile must try.
Find these wines in limited supply at the LCBO