Bodega Colomé Collection

About

Pioneers of Extreme High-Altitude Viticulture Founded in 1831 by the Spanish Governor of Salta, Nicolas Severo de Isasmendi y Echalar, Bodega Colomé is Argentina’s oldest continuously operating winery. Nestled deep within the rugged Calchaquí Valley in upper Salta, this historic estate was brought into the modern global spotlight in 2001 when Swiss entrepreneur and art collector Donald Hess acquired the property. Under the Hess Family Wine Estates, Colomé became a world-renowned symbol for high-altitude winemaking and sustainable, biodynamic viticulture. Operating at elevations ranging from 7,500 to over 10,200 feet (2,300 to 3,111 meters) above sea level, Colomé farms some of the highest vineyards on Earth. The extreme altitude exposes vines to intense ultraviolet radiation and drastic diurnal temperature swings—often fluctuating by more than 35°F (20°C) in a single day. This extreme environment forces the grapes to develop thick skins, resulting in wines of extraordinary color concentration, deep structural tannins, vibrant natural acidity, and intense aromatic complexity. High-Altitude Terroirs & Historic Vineyards Colomé’s estate vineyards are divided across several distinct high-elevation micro-terroirs within the Calchaquí Valley: Colomé Estate (7,500 ft / 2,300 m): Surrounding the main winery, this historic vineyard houses pre-phylloxera French Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon vines brought directly from France in 1854. The alluvial, sandy soils produce balanced, richly structured reds with dark fruit density. El Arenal (8,500 ft / 2,600 m): A dry, sandy vineyard where vines rely on drip irrigation from Andean snowmelt. It yields Malbec with striking floral perfumes, black pepper spice, and fine-grained tannins. Altura Máxima (10,207 ft / 3,111 m): One of the highest planted vineyards in the world. Located on granitic and gravelly soils, Altura Máxima produces intensely concentrated Malbec, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc defined by laser-focused minerality