Salentein Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014
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Established in the late 1990s, Bodegas Salentein is a privately-owned estate of almost 5,000 acres, of which 1,124 acres are planted to vine. Located in Mendoza’s famed Uco Valley, Salentein produces a remarkable collection of wines from vineyards planted in some of the highest elevations on the planet.
As pioneers in Argentina’s Uco Valley, Salentein is committed to mastering the art of high altitude vineyard cultivation and producing the finest expression of South American wines while respecting the native land, people and culture. José Galante, Salentein’s distinguished Chief Winemaker, is one of the most influential in Argentina and has been called the “Father of Argentine Malbec.” Galante works closely with consultant and legendary winemaker Paul Hobbs to craft expressive wines with viticultural depth and a precise balance of flavors.
Bodegas Salentein is a wine destination like no other, and the property includes a world-class winery and cellars, a 125-acre nature preserve, the showpiece Killka Center for Culture and the Arts, a nearby lodge (the Posada Salentein, offering an elegant and relaxed retreat into nature), and the landmark Chapel of Gratitude, a non-denominational chapel built using ancient local stonework techniques.
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
With a winning combination of cool weather, high elevation and well-draining alluvial soils, it is no surprise that Mendoza’s Uco Valley is one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in Argentina. Healthy, easy-to-manage vines produce low yields of high-quality fruit, which in turn create flavorful, full-bodied wines with generous acidity.
This is the source of some of the best Malbec in Mendoza, which can range from value-priced to ultra-premium. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay also perform well here.