Argentina Wine Tours - Vale de Uco

Bodega Salentein: Dutch Cathedral in the Andes

When you think of Argentine wine, Salentein comes to mind. But did you know that the heart of this empire has a deep Dutch flavor? For the latest blog post from Passion for Wine Breda, we traveled to the Uco Valley. There, we encountered the legacy of Mijndert Pon: a place where Dutch merchant spirit and the raw power of the Andes converge in a glass you'll never forget.

A Wine Empire with a Mission

Salentein isn't just any winery; it's the "Ferrari" of Argentine wineries. Founded by Dutch businessman Mijndert Pon, this estate single-handedly put the Uco Valley on the world map. Situated at an altitude of 1,050 to 1,700 meters, the grapes thrive in an extreme climate: scorching sun during the day and freezing nights. The result? Wines of unparalleled concentration and refinement.

The Lunch: Gastronomy at a High Level

After an intensive morning of blending, we were welcomed at Salentein for a lunch we won't soon forget. Four courses, accompanied by the house's finest wines.

Let's be honest: a lavish wine lunch followed by a serious tour is a top-level sport. While one person was asking meticulous questions about the vineyard's micro-terroirs, another relaxed the professional reins a bit. The absolute highlight? When our very own Beja took to the piano and gave a concert that Mozart would envy. A standing ovation in an Argentinian bodega; the atmosphere was magical!

The Cellar: The Vatican of Wine

After lunch, we descended into the cellars. This is no ordinary warehouse, but an architectural masterpiece in the shape of a cross. It feels like a cathedral for grapes. The acoustics are so perfect that concerts are regularly held there. Here, thousands of barrels of French oak mature in a sacred silence, deep underground where the temperature remains constant.

The Tasting: The Pearls of Salentein

Of course, we came for the wines. We tasted a selection that showcases the house's enormous breadth of expertise:

• Los Nogales Sauvignon Blanc 2021: A razor-sharp start. Fresh, full of citrus, and a beautiful mineral tautness.

• Primus Chardonnay 2022: The showpiece. Buttery and rich, yet with enough citrus and stone fruit to maintain balance.

• Primus Pinot Noir 2021: Elegance at its finest. Red fruit dominates, complemented by subtle earthy notes.

• Numina Cabernet Franc 2023: A rising star. Spicy, earthy, and surprisingly fresh.

• Los Jabalíes Malbec 2020: Dark fruit, cocoa, and a hint of tobacco. This is Malbec as it should be: powerful and layered.

• Primus Cabernet Sauvignon 2018: A monumental wine. Black fruit, cedarwood, and a finish that lingers for minutes.

Why Salentein Always Impresses

Salentein is the perfect combination of altitude, extreme temperatures, and Dutch efficiency. It's a place where grandeur and quality go hand in hand. Whether it's the entry-level wines we all know or the exclusive Primus line, the master's touch is palpable in every bottle.

It was a day of extremes: from in-depth conversations about oak aging to musical delights over lunch. Salentein stole our hearts, not only for the wines but also for the unforgettable hospitality.