Salentin Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina's Valle de Uco, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Produced by Bodegas Salentein — named one of the World's Best Vineyards in 2023 — this Reserve expression draws from estate parcels planted at roughly 1,100 meters above sea level, an elevation that contributes marked structure and aromatic intensity. The 2012 vintage earned a Gold medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5% | Origin: Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina | 12 Months Oak-Aged | Producer: Bodegas Salentein

Production & Heritage

Bodegas Salentein is a landmark estate in the Uco Valley, one of Argentina's most prized wine-growing sub-regions within Mendoza province. Grapes for the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon are sourced from the El Oasis estate vineyards at approximately 1,100 meters elevation, where wide diurnal temperature swings help develop concentrated flavors while preserving natural acidity. After harvest, the fruit undergoes cold maceration at 46–50°F for three to four days before fermenting at controlled temperatures of 78–84°F over eight to twelve days. Following racking, the wine completes malolactic fermentation, and 60% is transferred to oak barrels — 80% French, 20% American — where it matures for 12 months before blending and bottling.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe blackcurrant and plum, followed by layers of black pepper, eucalyptus leaf, and subtle red bell pepper. Underneath, hints of dark chocolate, wet earth, and oak spice add complexity.

Taste: The entry is lush and fruit-forward, with a core of dark berry and cassis that fills the mid-palate. Baking spice and oak nuance emerge as the wine opens up, while bright acidity and firm, polished tannins provide structure and balance across the full body.

Finish: Medium to long, with lingering notes of crushed stone, blue flowers, and ripe berry. The tannins remain integrated through the close, leaving a clean, spice-laced impression.

How to Drink Salentin Reserve

This wine rewards time in a large-bowled glass at cellar temperature (around 60–65°F), where the aromatic complexity has room to unfold. Decanting for 20–30 minutes softens the tannins and reveals the earthy, floral layers beneath the fruit. For cocktail-adjacent serves: a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) makes a casual warm-weather option that benefits from the wine's bold fruit; a classic Red Wine Sangria loaded with stone fruit and citrus plays well off the blackcurrant character; and a New York Sour — a whiskey sour floated with red wine — gains rich color and berry depth from this Cabernet.

Best For

Weeknight steak dinners where reliable Argentine Cabernet is the go-to
Introducing friends to high-altitude Argentine winemaking
Building a South American wine collection at a sensible entry point
Gifting a red wine enthusiast exploring Mendoza beyond Malbec

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Salentin Reserve taste like? It leads with ripe blackcurrant, plum, and dark berry fruit supported by baking spice, oak, and a subtle earthy undertone. Firm yet polished tannins and bright acidity give the wine noticeable structure and a medium-long finish.

How does Salentin Reserve compare to Catena Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are high-altitude Mendoza Cabernets, but Salentein's Reserve spends 12 months in a blend of French and American oak, which tends to lend slightly broader spice character. Catena's entry-level Cabernet typically emphasizes French oak exclusively, producing a leaner, more restrained profile.

Is Salentin Reserve good for drinking on its own? Yes — its balance of ripe fruit, integrated tannins, and acidity makes it a satisfying wine to enjoy by the glass without food. A brief decant or swirl in a wide glass helps unlock the full aromatic range.

Where is Salentin Reserve made? It is produced by Bodegas Salentein at their estate in the Valle de Uco, a high-elevation sub-region of Mendoza, Argentina. The grapes come from El Oasis vineyard parcels situated at approximately 1,100 meters above sea level.

What foods pair well with Salentin Reserve? Grilled Argentine-style short ribs complement the wine's tannin structure and smoky depth. Aged Gouda or Manchego echo the oak-spice notes. Lamb chops with rosemary align with the herbal, peppery aromatics. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the wine's cocoa undertones. Roasted bell peppers and eggplant dishes play off the wine's savory, earthy character.

What sizes does Salentin Reserve come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Salentin Reserve worth the price? It positions squarely as an affordable-premium Argentine Cabernet, delivering oak-aged complexity and high-altitude character that often over-delivers relative to its price tier. The Gold medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition underscores its quality-to-value standing.

Why Salentin Reserve?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon is its specific terroir: El Oasis vineyard parcels at 1,100 meters in the Uco Valley, one of the most sought-after growing areas in the Southern Hemisphere. The split-oak aging program — 80% French, 20% American — adds spice depth without overwhelming the fruit, a balance that many comparably priced competitors struggle to achieve. Bodegas Salentein's recognition as one of the World's Best Vineyards in 2023 reflects the estate's broader commitment to quality across its range. For anyone seeking a structured, aromatic Cabernet Sauvignon from high-altitude Argentina at an entry-premium price, this Reserve bottling is a credible benchmark.

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Salentin Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon