Bodega El Esteco - Altimus 2017
Overview
Altimus; meaning "highest" in latin is the icon wine of the Bodega El Esteco estate. The concept behind this selection is to showcase the true expression of the Cafayate region vintage to vintage.
Terroir: Deep, poor, rocky soils. Irrigation from the Andes. Wide thermal amplitude with big differences (approximately 22° C between the minimum during the cold mornings and nights, and the maximum during sunny days). Dry climate, little rainfall, 120mm of rain a year, 15% humidity and 350 days of sunshine. Cold mornings and nights, and long hot days result in wines that are highly concentrated in color, aromas and flavors with a unique fruity character.
Vinification: Altimus is the icon wine of Bodega El Esteco. A winemaker’s blend that changes from year-to-year. Altimus is made from the estate’s best parcels and from the harvest’s best grapes. Harvest is done either very early in the morning or at night when it is cooler and put into small 15 kg cases. A second selection is done in the crushing area and just the free run juice, which has greater concentration, is used for Altimus. Each varietal is vinified separately. After alcoholic fermentation in small stainless steel vats and spontaneous malolactic fermentation, the juice is pumped over to obtain maximum color concentration before being placed in small French barrels to be aged for 18 months. After aging, the final blend is made and bottled unfiltered and un-stabilized to keep the unique character.
Additional Details
Altimus shows cherry, plum, chocolate, vanilla and nut aromas, with spicy anise notes. On the palate, there are flavors of ripe plums, raisins, dried fruits and spicy black cherries. The wine is balanced and shows ripe, soft tannins and a long finish. Technical Details- Appellation: Calchaquí Valley
- Winemaker: Alejandro Daniel Pepa
- Sustainability: Sustainable Practices
- Soil: Sand, Gravel
- Vineyard Acreage: textinput
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- Alcohol: 15%
- Ttl Acidity: 5.5 g/l
- Residual Sugar: 4.1 g/l
- Avg Production: textinput
- Sizes Available: 750ml
- Pack Size: 12/750ml
- UPC Code: 0 89744-42480 8
- Varietals: 61% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc
Recent News
James Suckling Rating: 94
Author: James Suckling
Date: Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Blackberry, rust, walnut and white-pepper aromas follow through to a medium body with fine, creamy tannins and an exceptionally long and intense finish. Lots of spice, such as cloves. 55% cabernet sauvignon, 30% malbec, 10% cabernet franc and 5% merlot. Drink or hold.