Bodegas Salentein Reserve Malbec 2024

Deep red with purple hues, the 2024 Reserve Malbec is fresh, aromatic and expressive. Redcurrant and blueberry provide its principal fruit notes, while aromas of roses and violets introduce an attractive floral dimension. On the palate, the wine remains vibrant and fresh while developing enough structure to give the fruit definition and depth. The balance between concentrated berry fruit, floral aromatics and lively freshness keeps this Malbec energetic rather than overly heavy. A long finish extends its fruit and floral character, creating a polished expression of Uco Valley Malbec.

Malbec's combination of ripe fruit and structure makes this a natural match for flavorful meat dishes. Pair the Reserve Malbec with grilled or barbecued beef, lamb, baked ham or pork chops. Robust pasta entrées and sharp cheeses also work well with its generous fruit and structure. For a classic Argentine-inspired pairing, serve it alongside grilled steak or other meats from the barbecue.

Bodegas Salentein is closely associated with Argentina's Uco Valley, a high-elevation winegrowing region within Mendoza at the foothills of the Andes. The area's elevation, sunny days, cool nights and well-draining soils provide conditions particularly well suited to Malbec. Salentein draws on estate vineyards in the Uco Valley to create wines intended to capture both ripe fruit and the freshness associated with these elevated vineyard sites.

The 2024 Reserve Malbec is made entirely from Malbec and was aged for 12 months, with 50% of the wine seeing oak; that oak component included both French and American barrels. The finished wine contains 13.5% alcohol. Salentein's approach emphasizes Malbec's aromatic and floral qualities alongside structure and freshness, producing a wine that reflects the variety's particularly successful relationship with Mendoza's Uco Valley.