he most important region in the Province of Salta is Cafayate: a valley surrounded by mountain ranges, with an average height of 1,700m over sea level, more than 300 sunny days a year and thermal amplitude that may reach 18° C.
The dry weather, the wide thermal amplitude between day and night and the irrigation of the rivers of the area together with the underground water layers make up a micro-climate of special features.
The typical variety of the area is the Torrontés. This is the wine that, as a varietal, enabled Cafayate to transcend, even if the area is also proper for varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah and Chardonnay.
It is significant to point out some new undertakings located at higher points in the world: Yacochuya, 2,000m and Colomé, 2,300m.
Ruta Nacional 40 Km 1047 - Cafayate Tel/Fax: +54 (3868) 42-1310 E-mail
Its strategic location, 1,700 m.a.s.l in Cafayate, Salta, has given it a name in the market when it comes to torrontés wine. Created in the mid 1800s, it occupies a surface of 300 hectares sown with vineyards where the torrontés vine is predominant, even if malbec, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and chardonnay grapes are also grown in that spot.
The matchless winemaking tradition, along with continuous incorporation of technology have enabled this winery to enhance the production of its wines, reaching unquestionable quality standards that have led it to win remarkable international awards.
In the 1970s, it acquired vines in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, from where it makes wines known all over the domestic market. At present, Etchart belongs to the French group called Pernod Ricard, which succeeded in launching these fine Argentinian wines all over the world. Great quality and traditional wines are the stamps that set the course for this prestigious winery.
Founded in 1900, it is one of classical wineries in Salta.
The sandy soil, the intense sunny days and the wind percolating through the vineyards plot to make organic wines which will be exported mainly to England and Germany.
In 1986, José Eduardo Nanni took charge of the family winery and quickly put his stamp on it: ecological wines without any preservatives and with a natural flavor. This significant performance permitted to obtain important gold medals awarded to its torrontés in several issues of Vinandino in the Province of Mendoza.
Having been for only 3 years in the hands of Hess Group Switzerland, which also owns vineyards in Napa Valley, South Africa, and Australia, Colomé has successfully imposed its wines with the particular mark of the Calchaquí Valleys.
Even though it brags about being the most ancient winemaker in the country, as it dates back from 1831, and also one of the highest after Tacuil, the new generation of Colomé wines is more than promising.
Four unique hectares of 150-year-old malbec and cabernet sauvignon vines and six hectares of vines over 60 years old developed on their own rhyzome grow in the vineyards of Colomé. To these ancient vines, a 20-hectare plantation will be added per year, till 2008.
Three labels arise from these vineyards. From the combination of two powerful varietals such as malbec and the criollo vine, Amalaya is born: the red wine presented by the winemakers to be drunk daily. Fruit of the youngest vines, the Colomé Estate is 88% malbec and 12% cabernet sauvignon, while from the eldest vines will arise the Colomé Reserva, still in its vintage phase.
With the stamp of the Argentinian North and the enologist Randle Jonhson’s touch, Colomé inspires new airs in Salta’s terroirs.
he most important region in the Province of Salta is 
