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Don David

About

Don David

Don David wines come from the Bodega El Esteco Vineyard. Bodega El Esteco, founded in 1892 by David Michel and Gabriela Torino, is located in the Calchaqui Valley, which is in Argentina’s far northwest province of Salta. With over 1,500 acres of vineyards in what is known as the world’s highest growing region for wine, the Calchaqui Valley, Bodega El Esteco’s wines are reflective of their place of origin. The vineyards start at 5,500 feet in elevation and rising to over 6,600 feet above sea level. Bordered by two mountain ranges— the Quilmes to the west and the Aconquija to the east create a natural barrier and microclimate. Abundant sunshine, little rainfall, combined with high altitude create a recipe for a winemaker’s paradise. The region sees as little as six-eight inches of rain a year so irrigation is a must, allowing the winemaking and viticulture teams to irrigate as they see fit. Abundant sunshine 330-340 days a year, allows the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness; while the cool nights allow for proper acid levels to be achieved for a balanced wine in the end. All the grapes are hand-harvested and benefit from sustainable and environmentally friendly viticulture.

History

“Don David” In that way everybody called him. He was a key man in our winery’s history. He was a pioneer in planting quality vines in the high altitude vineyards of the Calchaqui Valleys, convinced this remote and exquisite region had the potential to deliver unique wines. This range pays tribute to our founder´s legacy.

Farming Practices

Agriculture

Organic Wine Production: Minimizes pesticides and chemical fertilizers, resulting in less soil and water pollution.
Reduction in Packaging Materials: Elimination of tissue paper in certain high-end productions.
Reduction in Bottle Weight.
The Company is Certified in Carbon and Water Footprint.
El Esteco Winery is Certified in BDA and WOFA.
Gas-powered forklifts and boilers are used, which do not emit gases into the environment.

Sustainability and Farming Commitments

  • Sustainable
  • Sustainable Practices
  • Fairtrade

Winemaker

Alejandro Daniel Pepa

Alejandro Pepa, born in Mendoza, moved to Cafayate, Salta, in 2010 to take the great challenge of transforming El Esteco’s old paradigms to become the first Premium Winery in the Calchaquí Valley. ​

With great humility, Alejandro has become a well-known and highly respected professional, not only for the international press but also among his colleagues. Alejandro´s precept is “to have a deep and intimate relationship between viticulture and winemaking teams” and he enthusiastically supports this philosophy. ​

​He believes in working hard to show the magic and authenticity that each variety can express in Salta, his new homeland.

Welcome to Frederick Wildman. Importers and wine merchants since 1934.

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