Wines from Bodegas Salentein: The Killka Collection

These wines were received as tasting samples.

Killka is an Andean word that means opening or portal and is the name given to Bodegas Salentein’s Killka cultural center located adjacent to the bodega. The artistic and cultural complex is home to temporary and permanent art collections. Argentinian works of art from the permanent collection are reproduced on the labels of the Killka Collection wines.

Bodegas Salentein (Sah-len-tyne) is located in the upper elevations of Valle de Uco, Mendoza in Argentina. Vineyards are planted at between 1,050 and 1,700 meters above sea level. At these elevations nighttime temperatures in summer are cool resulting in a longer growing season. The benefit is realized at harvest in fruit that has an excellent balance of sugar and acidity.

From Bodegas Salentein:

Killka is the cultural, artistic and gastronomic center of Bodegas Salentein, which has become a major destination for wine and art lovers from around the world. The wines combine the inspiration of the winemaker with the creativity of the artists represented in Killka’s art collection.

2015 Bodegas Salentein Killka Torrontes — straw color in the glass with generous aromas of lemon and orange blossoms. Citrus blossom flavors follow the aromas with the addition of stony minerality and citrus pith on the finish. Bracing acidity supports the floral flavors for a long, juicy finish. 13.5% abv. SRP $14.99

This wine gives me everything I expect from Torrontes. It is bright, floral and well balanced. The cooling and refreshing qualities of this Torrontes would be lovely on a warm afternoon. And, as I found out on a recent December evening, it’s also the perfect sipping wine while decorating for the holidays. It will pair with a variety of appetizers, salads and light meals.

2014 Bodegas Salentein Killka Malbec — dark ruby in the glass with generous aromas of plums, hints of cedar and smoke. Fruit flavors include plums, blackberries and red fruit. Fruit flavors gain complexity with savory backnotes, a hint of cedar and lingering salinity. Tannins are smooth and well integrated into the flavors. The finish is medium in length. 14% abv. SRP $14.99

Bright and fruit forward best describes this wine, but importantly without being over ripe or heavily influenced by wood flavors. And the Killka Malbec shows lovely complexity. This wine loves food — everything from pizza to pork roast. At $14.99 it is definitely an overachiever.

2014 Bodegas Salentein Killka Red Blend —  medium ruby in the glass with delicate dark fruit aromas. Dark fruit flavors combine with leather, earth and tobacco. Lingering hints of cedar spice and black tea flavors remain on the palate. Tannins are drying, in a medium body and the finish of medium length. Easy to drink and easy to like. 14% abv. SRP $14.99

Although this wine is predominantly Malbec, many Cabernet Sauvignon flavors shine through. It is a delicious blend of the two varieties with a bit of Syrah and Petit Verdot for good measure. It is a delightful wine that will please a wide variety of wine drinkers.

Cheers!