Amalaya Malbec 2015

The entry-level wine is called 2015 Malbec, even if it still has some 10% Tannat and 5% Syrah in the blend. 2015 saw 140 liters of rain, healthy grapes and good levels of acidity. The grapes come from seven-year-old vines that yielded 9,000 kilos per hectare, 100% from estate grapes. The grapes fermented with neutral yeasts after a four-day cold soak with a total maceration of some 20 days. 25% of the volume matured in used French oak barrels for ten months, while the rest was kept in stainless steel with fine lees. There is a smoky character that I believe comes from the skin of the grapes, which have a high impact from the sun—as with the higher altitude, the rays are much stronger and make grapes develop thicker skins. It made me think of a red from the Northern Rhône, mixing violets, bacon fat and great spiciness. They have replaced Cabernet by Tannat, and I think it has helped remove the herbal aromas and given more character to the blend. The palate is medium-bodied with great freshness and intensity, terribly tasty. This is so easy to drink, it can be dangerous... One to buy by the case, and great for by-the-glass. 695,000 bottles produced.