Comahue (place of abundance in the language of the indigenous inhabitants) is the word that, against all logic, defines our vineyards and thus their grapes and wines. Growing on poor soil and in hostile climate, surrounded by unique flora and a distrustful fauna, our vines are the raison d'être of Comahue. Their austere beauty confers colorful richness to our landscapes and outstanding quality to our wines.
21 years ago, the Viola family was pioneers; they were the first to settle with a wine-growing project in the Patagonian steppe, in Neuquén Province. An originally deserted and unproductive land today is a region that is present in most books about world viticulture. They led the conquest of that austere and wild landscape that is now consolidated Terroir, which gives rise to many of the great wines of Patagonia.
Comahue Wines are part of Malma Winery. We have 150 has of vineyards planted 20 years ago, with the varieties of vines and clones more suitable for this Terroir, as well as a state of the art Winery/Restaurant/Inn with a unique aesthetic and functional design. This infrastructure strategically located between vineyards and fully integrated to the landscape of the steppe, compose an environment ideal for work and enjoy.
Having been pioneers in a virgin area which had never been touched by man has obliged us to it and engaged us in its care. When we got here over twenty years ago, the wild nature of San Patricio del Chañar welcomed us and overwhelmed us at the same time. We soon realized that “nature” in its purest state was going to steer the future of our project and that it was going to leave its imprint on our wines.
As this conditioning has served as an auspicious challenge, we have worked according to the principles of sustainable and organic farming since the very beginning. We have always pursued to keep the terroir as our guide and we have always prioritized the balance between pragmatism and our goal.
