Bodega Colomé

"In the highest spot"

The climate in the Calchaqui Valley is extremely dry with 5-12cm of rainfall each year between December and the end of February. This microclimate is exceptionally suitable for the organic cultivation of vines. Colomé are committed to implement biodynamic agriculture and the animal husbandry that is integral in the success of this approach. Animals kept on the farm include over 160 sheep and their own shepherdess.

History

Colomé was farmed for thousands of years by native Indios who were excellent stewards of the land. The original Indio language in the Calchaqui Valley was 'Kakan' but at the end of the 15th century the Incas entered the valley. Since then the dialect spoken has been 'Quechua'. In 1549, the Spanish occupied the valley and it took thwm 90 years to supress the resistance of the native Indios.

The old Colomé winery was founded in 1831, probably by the Spanish Governor of Salta. Three vineyards of 4 hectares dating from this time still produce grapes today and Colomé is considered by many to be the oldest exisitng winery in Argentina.

The estate was owned by the Isasmendi-Dávalos families for 170 years until it was bought by Donald Hess in 2001.

In 2003, he planted an experimental vineyard in the neighbouring estate of El Arenal in Rio Blanco, which is the world's highest vineyard at 3,002m above sea level.

www.bodegacolome.com