For more than 170 years, Bodegas Etchart’s rich, storied history has been closely linked to the development of the Cafayate area in Argentina’s Salta province as a winemaking region. A decade after the founding of Cafayate, in 1850, French founders Flavio Niño y Plazaola decided to explore viticulture in this remote north-western town that is located in the Calchaqui Valley. The founders first planted white vines, creating vineyards that have led to them becoming the oldest operating winery in the valley and one of the longest running in the country. As a winery renowned for crafting exquisite vintages, Bodegas Etchart’s exceptional winemaking was on full display when they won no less than 11 medals at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).

The present winery was acquired In the late 20th century, more precisely in 1938, by Arnaldo Benito Etchart who took it over from his wife’s family. Thereafter began the development process that has led it to evolve into one of Argentina’s most prestigious wine producers. Nestled in the heart of the country’s captivating wine country, Bodegas Etchart is a true representation of Cafayate and its high altitude wines. For the nearly 200 years it has been operating, its name continues to resonate with history, tradition, and award-winning winemaking, more recently celebrated at the 2023 DWWA where they walked away with 2 golds, 4 silvers and 5 bronze medals respectively.

Bodegas Etchart’s foresight in choosing the arid yet captivating landscapes for their first vineyards was not merely an act of viticultural farming, but a testament to the family’s vision and determination to explore the untapped potential of this unique terroir. One of the defining characteristics of the wines is their remarkable ability to encapsulate the essence of the land from which they originate. The Cafayate Valley, with its high altitude and distinct climate, contributes to the production of grapes that boast exceptional flavours and aromas. The intense sunlight, cool nights, and mineral-rich soils combine to create an environment that imparts a unique identity to the wines. This terroir-driven approach is central to Bodegas Etchart’s winemaking philosophy, allowing them to produce wines that are a true reflection of the region’s soul.

Theirs is a harmonious process where tradition and innovation are blended seamlessly to create and develop delicious vintages. The winery embraces modern techniques while respecting time-honoured practices that have been carefully passed down through generations. From hand-harvesting the grapes to meticulous sorting and gentle pressing, each step of the winemaking journey is executed with the greatest precision and care. This philosophy has led to the crafting of wines that exhibit balance, complexity, and a sense of place, ranging from robust reds that embody the spirit of the Andes or the crisp whites that reflect the altitude’s influence. Today, Thursday Food introduces four of Bodegas Etchart´s DWWA 2023 medal winners:

Bodegas Etchart, Rutas De Cafayate Malbec Elegante is a poised and refined gold medal-winning, 95 point vintage made from 100% Malbec grapes. It is elegant and well crafted expressing aromas of cedar, supple plums and mulberries, with hints of wild flowers. On the palate, notes of fresh black berries and black cherry are evident in the wine, which is medium-bodied with a nice spiciness that lingers. Its fresh acidity and approachable tannins make it an easy drinking wine with a long finish.

Bodegas Etchart, Terroir De Altura Torrontes is a silver medal winning, 91 point wine that is made from 100% Torrontes grapes. It is pale greenish yellow in colour with steely reflections, having intense, complex and delicate aromas. The aromatic notes expressed are of perfumed white flowers such as jasmine and orange blossom, in perfect harmony with ripe and juicy fruits, such as peach and pineapple. In the mouth, it is fresh, elegant, with balanced acidity, distinctive volume with a long and pleasant finish.

Bodegas Etchart, Terroir De Altura Cabernet Sauvignon is a red blend comprising 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Tannat that won a silver medal and scored 91 points. Garnet red in colour, this wine is spicy and elegant with ruby flashes, expressing characteristic spicy notes of peppers, that are typical of the region, along with peppery ripe blackcurrants, plums and blackberries on the nose. These are complemented by delicate notes of red fruits, cassis, chocolate and coffee due to its time in oak. On the palate it is fresh having great structure as well as impressive volume with round, sweet and ripe tannins, the result of its combination with a touch of Tannat.

Bodegas Etchart, Terroir De Altura Malbec, a balanced, elegant Malbec blend that is a deep ruby red in colour with violet tones, scored 87 points and earned for itself a bronze medal. The wine, which is made up of 90% Malbec and 10% Bonarda, expresses aromas of slightly smoky and toasty black fruits like plum and cherry, with a subtle floral note. In the mouth, it is intense in its entry with good volume, velvety tannins and its combination with the Bonarda gives it a softness and freshness that ends in a very long finish.

Bodegas Etchart’s vineyards are a treasure trove of diverse grape varieties that thrive in the unique Cafayate terroir and its vineyards stand as a testament to Argentina’s deep-rooted wine heritage. Its continuous pursuit of excellence, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a beacon of quality winemaking, has been one of passion, innovation, and a profound connection to the land. Salud!