El Esteco Don David Calchaqui Valley Tannat 2021

Bodega El Esteco is located in the heart of The Calchaquí Valley. The winery is surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape carved by the sun, the mountains and the vineyards.

Altogether, overseeing nearly 400 hectares of vineyard. The winery condenses all the spirit of the region in their fruit and the fusion between the legacy of ancient civilizations. Both the Hispanic influence and the criollo spirit.

Its iconic vallisto Spanish colonial-style building, surrounded by ancient vineyards and featuring galleries and inner patios. The vibe denotes the elegance of the typical colonial architecture from the north of the country. The hundred-year-old building contrasts greatly with the latest wine production technologies. They are found inside the winery such as the concrete containers, the stainless-steel tanks, and the poetic French and American oak barrels. Much of them gift us with wines of diverse styles, flavors and aromas.

The town Cafayate sits at 1700m above sea level, at a latitude of 26°S. This high altitude is what defines the terroir of the region. These conditions make it suitable for viticulture despite its close proximity to the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. The altitude means the sunlight Cafayate receives is more intense than in lower-lying regions, causing the grapes to develop thicker skins as protection against the solar radiation.

Tannat, being one of most difficult French varieties to ripen properly, is well suited to this low latitude, and strong sunlight environment.

The fruits are harvested at both tannin and flavour’s optimal ripeness. After vinification, 70% of the wine is aged in contact with American and French oak, while the remaining 30% is kept in stainless-steel tanks for 9 months.