2020 Bodegas Salentein Reserva Malbec Tunuyan

“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

Los Jabalies, translates to the boars. 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”.

Aging: 12 months in oak barrels, 70% French, 30% American.

100% Malbec. Salentein Reserve Malbec displays a very intense purplish red color. In the nose, it is intense and complex with outstanding aromas of red fruits, black berries, as well as delicate floral notes. In the mouth, its entry is sweet and mild. It is a fruity and fresh wine with good intensity. In the middle mouth, it is wide with a lingering finish.

Polished nose of ripe blueberries, dark plums, chocolate, sandalwood and licorice. Full-bodied with polished, supple tannins. Fleshy and balanced with a round, plummy finish. ~91 James Suckling