The announcement of the 2024 World’s Best Vineyards at the Nyetimber Estate in West Sussex, United Kingdom, featured six wineries from Argentina in the Top 50 and another six in the Top 100. As one of only two from the country making it into the Top 20, Bodegas Salentein, at number 18 in the world, is the only one that produces sparkling wine. This achievement not only cements its status as a global beacon of winemaking excellence but also underscores Argentina’s growing influence in the realm of fine wines, particularly in the effervescent world of sparkling wines.

Centrally located in Mendoza’s Uco Valley, where the towering Andes provide both a dramatic backdrop and a vital source of irrigation, Bodegas Salentein is more than a winery, it is a harmonious fusion of art, culture, and winemaking mastery. Situated at an altitude of 1,200 metres (approximately 4,000 feet), this prestigious bodega benefits from a unique terroir. The high altitude, combined with stony soils and a climate marked by warm days and cool nights, creates the perfect environment for crafting wines with exceptional balance and complexity.

But what truly sets Salentein apart is its commitment to innovation and quality, especially in its production of espumantes. Sparkling wine, often overshadowed by Argentina’s famed Malbec, finds its champion here. Bodegas Salentein’s effervescent offerings are as vibrant and refined as the landscape that nurtures them, embodying the pioneering spirit of the winery. This journey of its sparkling wines begins in the vineyard, where meticulous care is taken to cultivate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir: the cornerstone grapes for traditional method sparkling wine.

Hand-harvested at peak ripeness, the grapes are a testament to the winery’s philosophy of precision and sustainability. The traditional method (méthode champenoise) employed at Salentein involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle, a technique that imparts complexity and fine bubbles to the wine. This results in a collection of sparkling wines that rival the world’s best, a true testament to the winery’s craftsmanship.

Bodegas Salentein isn’t just a place to sip wine; it’s a destination that engages all the senses. The winery’s architecture is a marvel, seamlessly blending modern design with the natural beauty of the Andes. Its cross-shaped winery, symbolising the cardinal points, is both functional and symbolic, reflecting the bodega’s commitment to guiding visitors on a journey through the art of winemaking.

Bodegas Salentein invites you to discover the magic of its espumantes, wines that encapsulate the elegance of Argentina and the innovation of modern winemaking.
Thursday Food shares with you five labels that will surely add sparkle to your holiday festivities:

Salentein Brut Nature comprises 55 per cent Chardonnay and 45 per cent Pinot Noir and is made with grapes from different plots of vineyards of Finca el Oasis, located between 1,100 and 1,200 metres above sea level that were first cultivated in 2007. The wine is bright with a medium salmon colour and has persistent foam as well as fine, delicate bubbles. It expresses aromas of white and red fruits with notes of green apple, cherries and raspberry, along with a subtle note of toasted bread. In the mouth, it is balanced, fresh and fruity on the palate.

Alyda Van Salentein Rosé Brut Nature is made with 88 per cent Pinot Noir and 12 per cent Pinot Meunier grapes from selected plots of vines from Finca La Pampa and Finca San Pablo vineyards located between 1,250 and 1,600 metres above sea level in the San Pablo area of the Uco Valley. It is salmon-pink in colour with bright reflections, having bubbles that are small and persistent. It has aromas of red fruits, with cherry and raspberry standing out, along with a subtle note of dried fruits on the nose. On the palate, it is broad and fruity, with notes of red fruits and yeast. Its fine and persistent “perlage” bubbles make it very delicate and pleasant in the mouth, with a finish that is elegant and long.

Alyda Van Salentein Brut Nature is a wine that combines 52 per cent Chardonnay, 43 per cent Pinot Noir and five per cent Pinot Meunier using grapes from selected plots of vineyards at Finca La Pampa and Finca San Pablo. This wine, which is pale salmon in colour with bright reflections, has fine bubbles with a persistent surface disc. Its aromas on the nose are delicate and express notes of citrus, ripe red fruits and nuts. On the palate it is elegant with good aromatic persistence and notes of toasted bread due to its long ageing on lees. Its fine and persistent “perlage” bubbles make it very delicate and pleasant.

Salentein Blanc de Blancs is a 100 per cent Chardonnay varietal made with grapes from different plots of vineyards of Finca el Oasis. This wine is light yellow in colour with greenish highlights and has persistent foam along with delicate, fine bubbles. It exhibits fruity aromas of green apple, pineapple and a slight mineral note, on the nose. In the mouth, it has a very fresh entrance with good natural acidity as well as notes of fruit and complexity.

Salentein Doux is a white blend, comprising 90 per cent Chardonnay and 10 per cent Sauvignon Blanc, made with grapes from different Chardonnay plots from Finca el Oasis vineyards and different Sauvignon Blanc plots from Finca La Pampa vineyards. It is also light yellow with greenish highlights and fine delicate bubbles along with a persistent foam. On the nose, its aroma is fruity, expressing notes of green apple and pineapple from the Chardonnay, and pink grapefruit from the Sauvignon Blanc. On the palate its entry is very fresh with good natural acidity in addition to having complex notes of citrus and fruit.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious enthusiast, the allure of Bodegas Salentein’s portfolio of sparkling varieties is simply irresistible. So, as we close out 2024, let’s raise our glasses and toast to a 2025 filled with moments of joy, and may you celebrate each with an espumante from Argentina. See you next year.
Salud!