Wine: Intipalka Malbec

Country: Peru

Region: Ica Valley

Designation: Ica Valley

Brand/Producer: Intipalka

Grape Varietal: Tannat 

ABV: 13.5%

Type: Red

Code: 2693

Tasting Note

A rich bouquet of blackcurrant, chocolate and black cherry aromas. Intense black fruit flavours are balanced with leather and liquorice notes leading to a long lingering finish.

Producer

Originally from Italy, the Queirolo family moved to Peru in 1877 and founded their winery in 1880 in

Lima. The family produced wines and piscos in the city until 1962 when they relocated to the Ica Valley, south of Lima. Today, Jorge Queirolo, winemaker and grandson of the winery founder, is responsible of producing wines and piscos that reveal the personality of one of Peru’s leading wineries. In 2011, Viñas Queirolo opened the doors of its own hotel, the first and only Peruvian hotel located on a vineyard, in the Ica Valley.

Winemaking

The original vineyards planted in 1880 are located in a small plot in Cañete, near the desert coast, and in 2000 the Queirolo family acquired some land in the Ica Valley. This impressive area is at the very foot of the Andes, 60km from the coastline and over 500m above sea level. Here, approximately 700 hectares of vineyards are planted on the hillsides with deep loamy soils and stones, a natural resource of minerals. 

Malbec grapes are harvest by hand and destemmed before crushing and fermenting with wild yeasts. Natural malolactic fermentation softens the fruit’s acidity enhancing round fruit flavours. 

Fun Fact

'Intipalka' means 'valley of the sun' in Quechua, the language of the ancient Inca people and still used in the highlands of Peru. Here in the Valle de Ica is an oasis for growing vines. The unique desert climate, with warm sunny days and cool nights, produces grapes with delicate aromas and bright acidity, and a saline character imparted by the Pacific ocean just 60km away.

Food pairing

Try with grilled meats and roasted vegetables. Also suitable with charcuterie and cheese, especially strong aged cheeses. 

Awards & Accolades

88 points James Suckling

88 points Decanter World Wine Awards

84 points Wine Enthusiast

89 points Deschoradas

Gold Medal Mundus Vini

Silver Medal Sommeliers Choice Awards

92 points Beverage Tasting Institute