Salentein Elevado Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay 2025
A refreshing blend offering captivating aromas of pink grapefruit, herbal tones, vanilla and mango. The smooth, unctuous palate is beautifully balanced by a long, crisp finish.
The vineyards are located in the Tulum Valley subregion of San Juan within the large region of Cuyo, at an average altitude of 650 metres above sea level. The valley is located between the western slopes of the Andes and the much lower Pie de Palo hills, 20 miles to the east. The San Juan River curves through the Tulum Valley on its way toward the ocean. The soils are alluvial, with textures ranging from sandy loam to clay loam. With more than 300 sunny days a year, low rainfall (around 90 mm/ per year) and low relative humidity, this area favours the healthy development of the vines. Irrigation water comes from mountain snowmelt, it is stored in dams and distributed through canals to the vineyards where irrigation is carried out by a pre-drip irrigation system to optimise the use of this scarce and valuable resource.
Both grape varieties were harvested separately at optimal ripeness. The Sauvignon Blanc, displaying a typical warm-region profile, was picked early to protect the thinskinned berries from sun damage. Fermentation took place reductively in stainless steel vessels at 15-17°C for 14 to 21 days. The wine was then separated from the lees and chilled until blending. Chardonnay was harvested mid-season and fermented in stainless steel at controlled temperatures of 18-20°C for approximately 21 days. It underwent four months of ageing on fine lees to enhance texture. 10% of the Chardonnay had gentle contact with untoasted American oak to add complexity.
| Vintage | 2025 |
| Alcoholic strength | 13% |
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | Cuyo |
| Subregion | San Juan |
| Grapes | Sauvignon Blanc 70%, Chardonnay 30% |
| Residual sugar (g/l) | 1.8 |
| Dry/Sweet value | 1 |
| Contains sulphites | Yes |
| Vegetarian | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Milk | No |
| Eggs | No |
| Organic | No |
| Biodynamic | No |
| Closure | Screwcap |
| Winemaker | Gustavo Daroni |
Bodegas Salentein is nestled in the picturesque Uco Valley just south of Mendoza. In 1996, Dutch entrepreneur Mijndert Pon purchased the estate in what initially seemed to be a rocky desert. He ambitiously embarked on planting vineyards at high altitudes with the aim of producing ‘wines like no other.’ A year later, construction of the magnificent cross-shaped winery began. The four wings of the landmark winery each ferment the wines before gravity transfers it to the underground cellars. The high-altitude vines are planted at an elevation of between 1,050 and 1,600 metres, against the breathtaking backdrop of the Andes Mountains. At this altitude, the vines benefit from optimal diurnal temperature differences and a diverse terroir in which they flourish. Today, Bodegas Salentein is one of the most admired Argentine wineries - not just in the Uco Valley, but in the world. Their focus is producing terroir-driven wines which express the essence of the Uco Valley, and they do so with great purity and finesse.
