Amalaya Blanco de Corte

Amalaya, if you didn’t already know, translates as ‘hope for a miracle’ in the indigenous language of the now extinct tribe, the Calchaqui. It’s now part of the Hess Family Wine Estates empire- a collection of high quality wineries, that began back in 1844 with their now showcase winery in Mount Veeder, Napa. Much as we prefer to deal with the smaller guys, the Hess approach to ecological sustainability and social responsibility is to be applauded. As are their wines.

We’re up nearly 2000m above sea in Salta, in the Cafayate valley to be precise, one of the highest wine regions on the planet. Effectively a desert with just 150mm of rainfall a year, it would be impossible to grow anything without drip-irrigation using mountain run-off water stored in the winery reservoirs. At this altitude, the difference between day and night temperatures is dramatic, with the intensity of the sunlight equally contributing to a unique growing zone.

We’ve stocked this in the past, but for some reason we struggle to sell South American white wines. This latest release is mightily impressive though and I’m confident you’ll come running back for more of this (don’t let me down!). It’s made from 85% Torrontes, a highly aromatic variety, almost exclusively planted here in Salta. 15% Riesling reigns it all in and tightens things up beautifully.

Floral notes on the nose, with a squeeze of grapefruit. A wine of impeccable freshness and balance, with notes of melon and lychee, with a remarkably long, lively finish for a wine at this price level.

Ooh, I’ve just found out it was awarded a Trophy at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Told you it was good!