Pr1mum Malbec

In the remote upper reaches of Argentina's Valle de Uco on the eastern slopes of the Andes, Bodegas Salentein produces a remarkable collection of wines from vineyards planted at some of the highest elevations on the planet. From this lofty outpost, 65 miles south of the bustling city of Mendoza, Argentina's winemaking capital, Bodegas Salentein has forged an international reputation for its fine wines. Established in the late 1990s, Salentein is a privately-owned estate of almost 5,000 acres, of which 1,124 acres are planted to vine. Pr1mum, a Latin word meaning the first, represents Salentein's first range of flagship wines and the first ever high-end single varietal range from the Valle de Uco. Pr1mum is made with the finest grapes grown at Salentein's estate vineyards, perfectly capturing the region's unique terroir. The grapes are harvested from individual plots at various elevations and soil profiles.

80% of the grapes come from the oldest estate, “El Oasis”, located at 3,800 feet .a.s.l. The remaining 20% comes from the “La Pampa” estate, located at 4,300 feet .a.s.l. The soil at theses estates is shallow, alluvial – stony, with excellent permeability and it has low organic matter content.

Grapes were hand-harvested and carried to the winery in 400-kg plastic bins. 70% of the volume was fermented in 7,000 liters wooden casks and the remaining 30% in 225 liters French oak barrels. Cold maceration was carried out at 50-54°F. Fermentation was carried out using active dry yeast at 82-86°F. During this process pump over, rack and return and punch down techniques were carried out during fermentation in oak casks. Punch down and macro oxygenation occurred during fermentation in the barrels. After post-fermentation maceration, the wine was racked and transferred to French oak casks where malolactic fermentation took place. Aged for 18 months in 100% French oak.

Complex with intense aromas of plum, blueberries, and blackberries mingled with subtle floral and balsamic notes. The mouth is elegant with a very good structure, sweet tannins, excellent acidity and with a long and pleasant finish.