Bodega Colomé Collection

Pioneers of Extreme High-Altitude Viticulture

Founded in 1831 by the Spanish Governor of Salta, Nicolas Severo de Isasmendi y Echalar, Bodega Colomé is Argentina’s oldest continuously operating winery. Nestled deep within the rugged Calchaquí Valley in upper Salta, this historic estate was brought into the modern global spotlight in 2001 when Swiss entrepreneur and art collector Donald Hess acquired the property. Under the Hess Family Wine Estates, Colomé became a world-renowned symbol for high-altitude winemaking and sustainable, biodynamic viticulture.

Operating at elevations ranging from 7,500 to over 10,200 feet (2,300 to 3,111 meters) above sea level, Colomé farms some of the highest vineyards on Earth. The extreme altitude exposes vines to intense ultraviolet radiation and drastic diurnal temperature swings—often fluctuating by more than 35°F (20°C) in a single day. This extreme environment forces the grapes to develop thick skins, resulting in wines of extraordinary color concentration, deep structural tannins, vibrant natural acidity, and intense aromatic complexity.

High-Altitude Terroirs & Historic Vineyards

Colomé’s estate vineyards are divided across several distinct high-elevation micro-terroirs within the Calchaquí Valley:

• Colomé Estate (7,500 ft / 2,300 m): Surrounding the main winery, this historic vineyard houses pre-phylloxera French Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon vines brought directly from France in 1854. The alluvial, sandy soils produce balanced, richly structured reds with dark fruit density.

• El Arenal (8,500 ft / 2,600 m): A dry, sandy vineyard where vines rely on drip irrigation from Andean snowmelt. It yields Malbec with striking floral perfumes, black pepper spice, and fine-grained tannins.

• Altura Máxima (10,207 ft / 3,111 m): One of the highest planted vineyards in the world. Located on granitic and gravelly soils, Altura Máxima produces intensely concentrated Malbec, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc defined by laser-focused minerality and vibrant acidity.

• La Poma (9,800 ft / 3,000 m): Sourced for crisp, expressive white varieties that benefit from cold mountain nights and intense daylight sun.

Portfolio Highlights & Key Expressions

• Bodega Colomé Estate Malbec: The flagship bottling of the estate, blending fruit from across Colomé's four high-altitude vineyards. Showcases crushed blackberries, wild lavender, licorice, cocoa, and granite minerality backed by fresh acidity.

• Colomé Auténtico Malbec: Crafted as a tribute to the winery’s 19th-century origins using wild yeast fermentation, no oak aging, and minimal intervention. Unfiltered and pure, it delivers raw black fruit power, violet floral aromas, and vibrant mountain freshness.

• Colomé Torrontés: Sourced from high-altitude vines in Salta, this dry white wine sets the global benchmark for Argentina's native white grape. Explodes with fragrant jasmine, white peach, citrus zest, and a crisp, mineral-driven finish without bitter heaviness.

• Altura Máxima Malbec: The pinnacle ultra-premium release from 10,200 feet elevation. Uniquely complex, offering structural density, wild thyme, graphite, intense cassis, and remarkable aging potential.

Epicurean Food Pairings

• Red Meats & Traditional BBQ: Classic Argentine asado, wood-fired flank steak with chimichurri, grilled lamb chops, and braised beef short ribs.

• Regional Specialties: Salteña beef empanadas, slow-cooked locro stew, and roasted goat (cabrito).

• Cheeses & Earthy Plates: Aged Manchego, sharp goat cheese, wild mushroom empanadas, and grilled portobello mushrooms.