Make Mine Malbec: Bodegas Salentein Wines from Argentina
Bodega Salentein has the majestic Andes as their backdrop. Their Valle de Uco winery is Mendoza's single biggest cool climate estate.
Soft-spoken and humble, legendary winemaker José Galante prefers to let his wines do the talking and these beautiful vinos speak volumes. Known as the father of Argentine winemaking, Galante was a trailblazer in introducing the American palate to the wines of Argentina, especially Malbec. Galante led the Catena Zapata group for more than thirty years but in 2010 he made the move to Bodegas Salentein as their Chief Winemaker. Bodegas Salentein has pioneered premium winemaking in the Uco Valley and their wines win accolades around the globe.
Tasting Bodegas Salentein wines alongside their winemaker, the legendary José Galante, was like attending a Malbec master class. An unforgettable experience!
Any conversation about Argentine wines is incomplete without discussing Malbec. This robust red grape may have its roots in France but it has flourished as the country's signature varietal since it arrived in the 1850's. The Malbecs that Galante produces for Bodegas Salentein possess the varietal's trademark voluptuousness but are beautifully balanced and smooth. Galante’s winemaking philosophy is to “fully preserve the full spectrum of fruit aromas and flavors through a smooth, gentle winemaking process and leading-edge technology.” He believes oak should be present in a wine but without destroying the character of the varietal or the terroir. The end result is, as he puts it, “aromatic, highly concentrated wines, with fine tannin texture, a smooth and silky feel and a lingering finish--wines that truly reflect the very essence of the Valle de Uco.”
Bodegas Salentein Reserve Malbec 2012($18.99) showcases the complexity of the varietal without overwhelming the palate. Although it was aged 12 months in French oak barrels, the rich ripe flavor of luscious dark fruit (plums, black cherries) shines through- this wine is undeniably juicy. Smooth with hints of pepper and cinnamon, this vino is a great match for barbecued meats, sharp cheeses, and even with a burger or pizza.
For Malbec with a twist, I highly recommend the Bodegas Salentein Numina Gran Corte 2012($41). This beauty blends mostly Malbec (62%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (21%) with a dash of Merlot (7%), Cabernet Franc (5%), and Petit Verdot (5%). Each varietal was vinified separately and spent six months aging in barrels before being blended together and returned to the French oak barrels to complete aging for a total of 16 months. The delicious result is a robust red wine with aromas of cassis, licorice, and anise seed. Intense with a long finish, it is remarkably smooth and Galante makes sure that the essence of the fruit reigns supreme. A little pricey but absolutely worth it. I would pair this with a medium-rare steak!
More than Malbec, Bodegas Salentein also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Their excellent white wines include Chardonnay, Torrontes, and Sauvignon Blanc. And, their Uco Valley vineyard welcomes visitors. Stay on the property at the 16-room Posada Salenteinsurrounded by vineyards, dine in their restaurantshowcasing local produce & meats, view art at their Killka Gallery, and sip some truly wonderful wines. A visit to Bodegas Salentein sounds like the perfect wine-lover's getaway!
The Barrel Room at Bodegas Salentein.
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Make Mine Malbec: Bodegas Salentein Wines from Argentina
Bodega Salentein has the majestic Andes as their backdrop. Their Valle de Uco winery is Mendoza's single biggest cool climate estate.
Soft-spoken and humble, legendary winemaker José Galante prefers to let his wines do the talking and these beautiful vinos speak volumes. Known as the father of Argentine winemaking, Galante was a trailblazer in introducing the American palate to the wines of Argentina, especially Malbec. Galante led the Catena Zapata group for more than thirty years but in 2010 he made the move to Bodegas Salentein as their Chief Winemaker. Bodegas Salentein has pioneered premium winemaking in the Uco Valley and their wines win accolades around the globe.
Tasting Bodegas Salentein wines alongside their winemaker, the legendary José Galante, was like attending a Malbec master class. An unforgettable experience!
Any conversation about Argentine wines is incomplete without discussing Malbec. This robust red grape may have its roots in France but it has flourished as the country's signature varietal since it arrived in the 1850's. The Malbecs that Galante produces for Bodegas Salentein possess the varietal's trademark voluptuousness but are beautifully balanced and smooth. Galante’s winemaking philosophy is to “fully preserve the full spectrum of fruit aromas and flavors through a smooth, gentle winemaking process and leading-edge technology.” He believes oak should be present in a wine but without destroying the character of the varietal or the terroir. The end result is, as he puts it, “aromatic, highly concentrated wines, with fine tannin texture, a smooth and silky feel and a lingering finish--wines that truly reflect the very essence of the Valle de Uco.”
Bodegas Salentein Reserve Malbec 2012($18.99) showcases the complexity of the varietal without overwhelming the palate. Although it was aged 12 months in French oak barrels, the rich ripe flavor of luscious dark fruit (plums, black cherries) shines through- this wine is undeniably juicy. Smooth with hints of pepper and cinnamon, this vino is a great match for barbecued meats, sharp cheeses, and even with a burger or pizza.
For Malbec with a twist, I highly recommend the Bodegas Salentein Numina Gran Corte 2012($41). This beauty blends mostly Malbec (62%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (21%) with a dash of Merlot (7%), Cabernet Franc (5%), and Petit Verdot (5%). Each varietal was vinified separately and spent six months aging in barrels before being blended together and returned to the French oak barrels to complete aging for a total of 16 months. The delicious result is a robust red wine with aromas of cassis, licorice, and anise seed. Intense with a long finish, it is remarkably smooth and Galante makes sure that the essence of the fruit reigns supreme. A little pricey but absolutely worth it. I would pair this with a medium-rare steak!
More than Malbec, Bodegas Salentein also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Their excellent white wines include Chardonnay, Torrontes, and Sauvignon Blanc. And, their Uco Valley vineyard welcomes visitors. Stay on the property at the 16-room Posada Salenteinsurrounded by vineyards, dine in their restaurantshowcasing local produce & meats, view art at their Killka Gallery, and sip some truly wonderful wines. A visit to Bodegas Salentein sounds like the perfect wine-lover's getaway!
