Malbec (2024) - Intipalka
Intipalka’s Malbec is one of the few Peruvian wines to have gained international recognition. The Ica Valley region is famous for its climate, which is well suited to viticulture.
Malbec (2024) - Intipalka
Type: Red Wine
Area: Peru, Ica, Valle di Ica
Appellation: Vino de la Tierra Peruana
Grape variety: Malbec
Vintage: 2024
Winery: Intipalka
Alcohol: 14%
The appellation: Vino de la Tierra Peruana
Vino de la Tierra Peruana is a wine classification that celebrates the growing winemaking tradition of Peru, a country known for its extraordinary biodiversity and its unique terroirs. This designation sits between the "Geographical Indication" and "Denomination of Origin" levels and allows producers to express the quality and character of Peruvian wines with greater freedom than under more restrictive regulations.
Find out more about Vino de la Tierra PeruanaWhat to eat with Malbec
Who makes it: Intipalka
Founded in the early 2000s, Intipalka is a Peruvian winery that set itself the goal of making high-quality wines able to compete with the most prestigious labels internationally. In the Ica region, the estate covers more than 800 hectares, combining tradition and innovation in its winemaking. In 2002 the winery underwent a complete overhaul, acquiring new vineyards and importing French varieties to enrich its winegrowing heritage. This process brought a marked improvement in the quality of the wines, which today are appreciated both at home and abroad.
Find out more about IntipalkaThe vine of Malbec
Malbec
Malbec is a black grape variety of French origin, historically widespread in the Cahors area of south-west France, where it was known as Côt or Auxerrois. Today it has become the emblematic grape of Argentina, where it has found an ideal home in the high altitudes of the Andes, particularly in Mendoza, becoming one of the most recognisable reds in the world. It gives intense, deep and velvety wines, with firm but ripe tannins and an aromatic range that spans dark fruit and spices through to balsamic and floral notes.
Find out moreMalbec: the Ica Valley area
Valle di Ica
The Ica Valley, in southern Peru, is one of the most important and historic wine regions in Latin America. Known as the cradle of Peruvian viticulture, this valley has a winemaking tradition dating back to the 16th century, when the Spanish conquistadors introduced the first vines. Thanks to its warm, sunny climate, its sandy soils and an irrigation system fed by Andean rivers, the Ica Valley is the ideal place for growing grapes used to produce wines and the famous Pisco, Peru’s national spirit.
Find out more about Valle di IcaClimate: Desert
Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)
Soil: Alluvial / Morainic
Geographical setting: Valley
Profile of Malbec
Primary aromas: Ripe red fruit, Berries
Secondary aromas: Wood, Spices
Tertiary aromas: Leather, Tobacco
Tasting notes: A wine of firm character, with notes of red fruit and spice, typical of the Ica Valley region.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Full-bodied |
| Acidity | Medium-high |
| Tannin | Medium-high |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Finish | Media |
| Colour | Ruby red |
| Clarity | Clear |
Winemaking methods used for Malbec
Stainless steel winemaking for freshness and aromas
Stainless steel winemaking is a modern, versatile technique, particularly prized for producing fresh, aromatic and lively wines. Thanks to the use of stainless steel tanks, fermentation takes place in a neutral, controlled environment, preserving the primary characteristics of the grape variety and of the terroir as fully as possible. This approach makes it possible to obtain wines that clearly express their varietal personality and a pleasant lightness.What is Stainless Steel Winemaking? Stainless steel winemaking involves the use of stainless steel tanks during alcoholic fermentation and, often, during ageing as well. These vessels guarantee a hygienic, controlled environment, free from outside influences that might alter the aromatic profile of the wine. What is more, precise temperature control helps develop fresh, fruity aromas, avoiding oxidation or unwanted fermentations. Advantages of Stainless Steel WinemakingPreserving freshness: the primary aromas of the grape variety remain intact. Temperature control: it allows slow, steady fermentations, bringing out the aromas and the structure. Aromatic purity: stainless steel adds no outside flavours, guaranteeing an authentic product.Stages of Stainless Steel Winemaking 1. Harvest and Pressing The grapes are picked at the right degree of ripeness and gently pressed to obtain a clean, high-quality must. 2. Settling the Must The must is clarified to remove any solid residues, ensuring a clean fermentation. 3. Fermentation in Stainless Steel Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with strict temperature control (generally between 10°C and 18°C for whites and rosés). 4. Stabilisation After fermentation, the wine is left to rest in the tanks to refine and stabilise, before bottling.Characteristics of the Resulting Wines ColourWhites: bright straw yellow with greenish highlights. Rosés: delicate tones of pale pink or salmon. Light reds: pale ruby red with lively transparency.AromasFruity: notes of citrus, peach, green apple and berries. Floral: hints of white flowers, violets or dog rose. Mineral: fresh, saline nuances, typical of certain terroirs.TasteFresh and lively: with balanced acidity and a light body. Harmonious: perfect for drinking young and informally.Grape Varieties Ideal for Stainless Steel Winemaking White Grape VarietiesVermentino: perfect for bringing out freshness and minerality. Sauvignon Blanc: aromatic and vibrant, with citrus and tropical fruit notes.Black Grape VarietiesPinot Nero: ideal for rosés and light, elegant reds. Montepulciano: perfect for fresh, fruity rosés.Why Choose a Wine Made in Stainless Steel? A wine made in stainless steel is the essence of freshness and varietal purity, perfect for anyone looking for intense aromas, liveliness and lightness. Ideal for aperitifs, light dishes and convivial moments, these wines are a true tribute to nature and to the quality of the grapes.
Find out moreAgeing methods used for Malbec
In stainless steel
Ageing in stainless steel is a winemaking practice aimed at preserving the freshness, aromatic integrity and varietal purity of the wine. It is used above all for white, rosé and young red wines, but also for light, easy-drinking reds that do not require maturation in wood. Stainless steel vessels are inert and impermeable to oxygen, so they do not interact with the wine: this makes it possible to bring out the fruity, floral and mineral component of the grape and of the terroir.
Find out moreTime on the lees for Malbec
- No contact with the lees