2012 Bodegas Salentein Grand VU Red Blend Valle de Uco

“Bodegas Salentein has led the transformation of the Uco Valley, positioning it as the most recognised wine region in Argentina. Bodegas Salentein’s vineyards produce some of the world’s most awarded wines.” ~Decanter

Sitting high up in the Andes at just over 4000 feet above sea level, Bodegas Salentein is producing some very high-quality Malbec. With an emphasis on single-vineyard expressions of grapes, this producer is a great case study on the terroir of Argentina. This wine is dense and concentrated ready to impress

The vineyard takes its name from the wild boars that inhabit the area surrounding the vineyard. This location is at 4,500 feet above sea level, providing the grapes with plenty of sun and a cool climate.

The cold climate, vast thermal amplitude, and humidity, together with stony soils rich in calcium carbonates and sustainable vineyard management, offer unique conditions for producing Malbec grapes of the highest quality. Winemaking with minimal intervention produces an exceptional expression of Malbec from this unique vineyard. 

The goal of Bodegas Salentein is clear: to produce first-rate wines, committed with the earth where they come from. During its preparation, Salentein respects nature and, at the same time, takes part in the life of the area’s community, because the people become an essential component that reflects in the wine expression.

Since 2010 José Galante has been the head winemaker of Bodegas Salentein. Prior to his time with Salentein, José was making world-class wines with Cantena Zapata where he set the industry standard for what quality Argentine Malbec should be. One of the keys to his success is the style he brings to the wines. Far from following fleeting trends or making products without identity, he always produced great, modern varieties which preserved the identity of the Argentinian wine. As Bodegas Salentein’s enologist, his wine-making philosophy consists of “preserving entirely the spectrum of aromas and flavors of the fruit through a soft and gentle fermentation process, with the excellent technology and a particular emphasis in achieving the best expressions of the Uco Valley”.

"Salentein Gran VU Blend represents the deep commitment that Bodegas Salentein has made in the Valle de Uco. This wine is the crowning glory of years of work and research in our quest to understand the terroir that we have identified and selected to produce the best wines in Argentina. Having taken this trajectory with grapes from many different regions of Mendoza, I am convinced that we have found the vineyards and varieties to perfect this blend. Gran VU Blend is a paean to the Valle de Uco and the wines of Argentina." - José Galante

Aging: 24 months in French oak barrels

 62% Malbec, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Intense and deep burgundy red color. Aromas of black fruit, aniseed, licorice, and mint. Well-structured and ripe tannins. Full-bodied with a long lingering finish.

Perfectly sound and ripe blackberry aromas come with a rooty note, a touch of oaky coconut and fine-grained wood scents. This blend ofMalbec andCabernet Sauvignon is compact and layered. Ripe cassis, blackberry and chocolate flavors finish toasty and with hints of coffee and spice. ~93 Wine Enthusiast

~93 Tim Atkin, Master of Wine

A suave and refined red, with an exuberant minerality to the blackberry, dark currant and green olive flavors. Hints of pepper show midpalate, with a lush, cream-filled finish that displays some tannic grip. Drink now through 2021. 490 cases made, 37 cases imported~91 Wine Spectator