Virtual Visit: Bodega Nieto Senetiner

Founded in 1888, Italian immigrants planted the first seeds in the vineyards that would later grow to be a part of the Nieto Senetiner collection of wines. In the course of the following decade, the winery changed hands several times, and the Nieto Senetiner family acquired it in 1969.

The winery itself is located in Vistalba area of Luján de Cuyo.  However, Nieto vineyards can be found in Agrelo, Vistalba and Alto Agrelo, all of which sit between 900 and 1000 meters above sea level.

Because Mendoza is a desert and receives approximately 300 mm of rain every year, the winery must rely on snow and ice melt from the mountains as the life line of the winery.  The water that trickles down from the cordillera is crystal clear and rich with minerals, ideal for giving life to thirsty vines.

Though the architecture of the winery is a kind of understated elegance with a polished rustic quality, the most spectacular view is not the winery, but the vines that wrap around it.  Immediately next to the winery´s restaurant, stand three small vineyard fields, each at different heights, and each offering a living lesson in vine trellising.

Over the course of the vineyard´s development, winemakers tested numerous styles of vine training: Italian style, American style, and pergola style.  The styles were changed over the years to increase grape quality, balance production and facilitate the harvest.  The family decided to preserve small samples of each system as demonstrations of the winery´s history and today they serve as a great lesson in canopy management.

Over the years, the Nieto Senetiner name established itself as a winery with one foot in the past and one in the future, bridging the gap between tradition and technology.  Nieto Senetiner is the first Argentine winery to grow the bonarda grape for use in an ultra-premium wine.  After merlot, bonarda is among the smoothest, most delicate red grape and was the first principle planting in Mendoza before the introduction of Malbec.

Under the direction of a duo enologist team – Roberto Gonzalez and Thomas Hujes, who have worked together for over 20 years – the winemaking team has developed a wide portfolio of wines, which are sold in more than 30 markets internationally.

Visitors to the winery may enjoy an educational tour of the facilities and vineyards, followed by a tasting.  They can also participate in a blending game in which they work with three different varietals to concoct a blend worthy of the enologist team.

As the swirling and blending begins to wind down, the Nieto Senetiner team offers visitors to relax into a traditional Argentine asado lunch, under the speckled shade of their outdoor patio.    The meal is served family style, with ample salads, appetizers and wine to pair with perfectly prepared meats.  In true Nieto style, and congruent with their modernized tradition, the meal is prepared by an Asadora – a woman grill master.

The meal can also be followed by a round of mate, the traditional Argentine drink and the perfect pick-me-up after a hearty meal and a tummy full of wine.

Tasting Notes

First Choice: Don Nicanor Blend 2011
This red blend Cabernet Sauvignon (34%) Malbec (33%) Merlot (33%), spends 12 months in French oak and is full of ripe red fruits and plum, articulated with notes of vanilla, which provide a long finish and intense flavor.  The wine is ideal to accompany argentine asado and beef empanadas.  (That is to say, ideal to accompany Nieto Senetiner´s asado lunch).

Second Choice: Cadus 2010 Bonarda

Ultra-Premium Bonarda wine is hard to find, and we fell in love with the black red hues of this full-bodied wine.  Aromas are thick with smoke and rich with cherries and ripe red fruits.  The creamy texture and sweet fruit flavors persist on the palette, making this wine ideal to drink – and admire – all on its own.

Third Choice: Don Nicanor Chardonnay-Viognier 2008

This white blend (60% Chardonnay 40% Viognier) is a vibrant yellow with notes of green hues.  The chardonnay spends 6 months in French oak barrels and enriches the wine with subtle notes of vanilla, though the prominent aromas tend towards white peaches and white flowers.  It is light and fresh, easy to drink and would be ideal for a warm summer day.