From: Salta, Argentina
Varietal: 85% Malbec, 10% Tannat, 5% Petit Verdot
Taste: Brilliant ruby color with violet edges. Strawberries, raspberries and ripe fruit with touch of pepper and spices aromas and elegant floral notes. In mouth, flavors of red fruit, spice and hints of vanilla from aging in French oak. Very nice freshness. Round, soft tannins lead to a delicate, lingering finish.
Pairing: Malbec from Salta, Argentina, a region known for its unique terroir, pairs exceptionally well with bold, savory dishes like grilled meats, especially Argentine asado (barbecue), and rich cheeses. Some examples of asado (Argentine BBQ) include grilled meats like lamb—especially with rosemary and sage—beef, steak—like a juicy rib-eye, hangar steak, or flank steak, and pork—think pork chops and sausages.
About the winery. Amalaya is an exquisite representation of the unique weather and soil conditions in Argentina's Northern Calchaqui Valley that also honors the heritage of the indigenous Calchaqui people. The name Amalaya is rooted in the beliefs of the Calchaqui to keep the gods of nature happy and to strive for an equilibrium of forces to assure sustainability over time. The most worshiped goddess is “Pachamama,” or "Mother Earth," who presides over planting and harvesting. The Calchaqui created many rituals and ceremonies to please Pachamama, and would ask the goddess for a miracle. This "hope for a miracle" is called "Amalaya" in the popular indigenous language and is symbolized by the holistic spiral. To respect Pachamama, the winemakers of Amalaya treat all their vineyards sustainably.
