Bodega Colomé Altura Máxima Malbec
Key Spanish Terms
The world's highest estate vineyard for Malbec, planted at 3,111 meters in Argentina's remote Calchaquí Valleys.
Altura Máxima is Bodega Colomé's flagship Malbec grown at 3,111 meters elevation in Salta, Argentina. The extreme altitude produces thick-skinned grapes with intense concentration, bright acidity, and remarkable mineral depth. First released in 2012, fewer than 34 barrels are made per vintage.
- Elevation of 3,111 meters (10,200 feet) makes this one of the world's highest commercial vineyards
- Planted in 2007 (VSP) and 2010 (Parral system) near Payogasta in the Calchaquí Valleys
- First commercial vintage released in 2012 after experimental plantings began in 2005
- Production limited to approximately 27 to 34 barrels per vintage
- Aged 24 months in used French oak barrels; typical alcohol 14.9 to 15.5%
- Diurnal temperature range exceeds 20°C, with daytime highs of 28°C and nights as low as 6°C
- Farmed sustainably using biodynamic agriculture practices
Location and Vineyard
The Altura Máxima vineyard sits at 3,111 meters above sea level near Payogasta in the Calchaquí Valleys of Salta, northwestern Argentina, close to the borders of Bolivia and Chile. The approximately 30-hectare site is part of Bodega Colomé's portfolio of four vineyards, which span altitudes from 1,750 to 3,111 meters. Soils are calcareous and granitic, with alluvial sandy composition and a high percentage of gravel.
- Situated in the Calchaquí Valleys, Salta, near the Bolivian and Chilean borders
- Approximately 30 hectares planted in two systems: VSP in 2007 and Parral in 2010
- Soils combine calcareous and granite parent material with alluvial sandy gravel
- One of four Colomé vineyards ranging from 1,750 to 3,111 meters elevation
Climate and Growing Conditions
The climate at Altura Máxima is defined by extremes. Daytime temperatures during ripening reach a maximum of 28°C, while nights drop as low as 6°C, creating a diurnal swing of more than 20°C. The thin atmosphere at this altitude delivers intense UV radiation, which causes the Malbec grapes to develop thicker skins as a natural response. That same thin atmosphere provides less UV protection, meaning the grapes receive more direct solar energy than vines grown at lower elevations.
- Maximum daytime ripening temperature of 28°C with nights as low as 6°C
- Diurnal temperature range exceeds 20°C, preserving acidity and aromatic complexity
- Intense UV radiation at altitude causes thick grape skins and deep color
- Thin atmosphere delivers more direct sun exposure than lower-elevation vineyards
History and Ownership
Bodega Colomé was founded in 1831, making it Argentina's oldest continuously operating winery. The estate contains pre-phylloxera vines planted in 1854. Swiss entrepreneur Donald Hess acquired Colomé through Hess Family Estates in 2001. Experimental plantings at the Altura Máxima site began in 2005, with commercial blocks established in 2007 and 2010. Winemaker Thibaut Delmotte has been with the estate since 2005 and oversaw the development of the Altura Máxima project through to its first commercial release in 2012.
- Bodega Colomé founded in 1831, Argentina's oldest continuously operating winery
- Pre-phylloxera vines from 1854 are still part of the estate
- Acquired by Donald Hess and Hess Family Estates in 2001
- Winemaker Thibaut Delmotte has led winemaking since 2005
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Altura Máxima is 100% Malbec, aged for 24 months in used French oak barrels. Production is deliberately small, at approximately 27 to 34 barrels per vintage, reflecting the challenges of farming at this extreme elevation. Typical alcohol levels run between 14.9 and 15.5%. The wine is grown using biodynamic and sustainable farming practices. Colomé's broader portfolio also includes Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Torrontés, and Chardonnay from its other Calchaquí Valleys vineyards.
- 100% Malbec, aged 24 months in used French oak
- 27 to 34 barrels produced per vintage
- Alcohol typically between 14.9 and 15.5%
- Biodynamic and sustainable farming practices applied throughout
Intense dark fruit concentration with blueberry, blackcurrant, and plum at the core. Firm, ripe tannins from thick-skinned grapes. Bright, natural acidity preserved by extreme diurnal temperature swings. Floral violet notes, mineral complexity from calcareous and granitic soils, and aromatic depth from high UV exposure. The 24 months in used French oak adds subtle structure without overwhelming the fruit.
- Bodega Colomé Estate Malbec$18-22Entry point into Colomé's high-altitude style from Calchaquí Valleys vineyards at lower elevation.Find →
- Bodega Colomé Lote Especial Malbec$30-40Mid-tier Colomé Malbec showing the house's high-altitude concentration and structural precision.Find →
- Bodega Colomé Altura Máxima Malbec$120-150100% Malbec from 3,111 meters, 24 months in used French oak, only 27 to 34 barrels per vintage.Find →
- Altitude of 3,111 meters makes Altura Máxima one of the world's highest commercial vineyards and the highest estate vineyard for Malbec production
- Diurnal temperature range exceeds 20°C (daytime max 28°C, night minimum 6°C), a key factor in acidity retention and aromatic development
- Thick grape skins result from high UV radiation at altitude due to the thin atmosphere providing less UV protection
- First commercial vintage was 2012; vineyard blocks planted in 2007 (VSP) and 2010 (Parral)
- Bodega Colomé, founded 1831, is Argentina's oldest continuously operating winery, acquired by Hess Family Estates in 2001