El Esteco Don David Reserve Syrah 2016
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Ideal to enjoy with grilled meat, stews and cheeses.
With over 1500 acres of vineyards, El Esteco is the most important winery in the CalchaquÍ Valley of Argentina. An inhospitable but magical place, at dizzying heights of 1700 meters (5600 feet), that breathes life into extraordinary wines. It is a winery that challenges preconceptions, believing in the opportunity to create wines that stand out from the norm.
It is a winery that seeks to surprise, to create distinct wines that highlight the unique characteristics of the CalchaquÍ Valley terroirs. The unique climate of this place manifests itself in the elegant profile of El Esteco’s wines, with colors, aromas and flavors accentuated by the sun and the altitude. These are wines with an indelible sense of place, wines which complement food rather than overpower, wines which are true to their origin.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
The Salta region in northern Argentina is home to world’s highest vineyards. Near the town of Payogasta, the Colomé Altura Máxima vineyard is planted at 10,206 feet in elevation.
Salta is part of the Calchaquí Valley, which benefits from more than 300 days of sun per year, subjecting its vines to considerable ultraviolet radiation. The valley experiences strong high altitude winds, even in the “lower” vineyards, which are planted at 5,413 feet. Because of these elevations and resulting extreme conditions, vines produce lower yields and thicker-skinned grapes, resulting in concentrated, aromatic and well-structured wines.
In a truly unique region, the highly aromatic variety, Torrontes, thrives; intense sun exposure allows full ripening, while cooling winds maintain the grapes’ acidity levels and phenolic balance.
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Syrah, and, particularly, Tannat have the most potential among reds.
Upscale hotels, beautiful colonial architecture, a majestic Andean backdrop and impressive food and wine make the area attractive among tourists as well.
Salta is the fourth most important Argentine wine-producing region after Mendoza, San Juan, and La Rioja. Its oldest vineyards were planted in 1862.