4.4 Vivino Stars (1,000+ Reviews!)

“From the Father of Modern Winemaking in Argentina Comes a Super-Premium, Upper-Elevation Malbec That’s Won Wild Praise from Fans and Critics Alike.”
In this singular wine lies history and a sense of place like none other. For the last two decades, Argentina’s wine country has grown by leaps and bounds—with a success that can be directly linked to Bodega Salentein. Legendary winemaker Jose “Pepe” Galante, after developing the iconic style at Catena Zapata, came to lead the cellar at Salentein in 2010. Working with the descendants of another regional pioneer, the late Myndert Pon, Galante brought a whole new level of expertise to the already renowned Salentein estate. With notes of currant, plum, and blackberry, 2016 Salentein Primus Malbec Primum “shows good balance and ripeness without excess” according to Wine Spectator.

A selection from Salentein’s top-tier Primum line, Pr1mus Malbec is sourced from Salentein’s finest vineyard sites. Situated at lofty heights between 3,500 and 5,600 feet, the vineyards benefit from pure snowmelt from the Andes Mountains. Alluvial soils, rich in calcareous stones, sand, lime, and clay, offer excellent drainage. Sunny yet cool climes allow grapes to develop highly concentrated flavors and lively acidity, resulting in beautifully structured wines.

For more than 20 years, Bodega Salentein has been a pioneering force in the burgeoning Argentinian wine world. Located in the riverside city of Tunuyán in Mendoza, its 121-acre estate boasts some of the highest-elevation vineyards in the region, not to mention some of the most striking modern architecture. Founded in 1996 by Dutch entrepreneur Myndert Pon, Salentein was one of the first modern wineries in the Uco Valley, which (thanks largely to Pon’s trailblazing efforts) is now one of the most celebrated appellations in Latin America. Still a family-run winery, Salentein is now operated by next-generation vintners Frederike, Mariette, and Ben Pon.