Pepe Galante stands as a pivotal figure in the evolution of the Argentine wine industry, particularly in the Uco Valley, where he has played a crucial role in its transformation. With nearly 50 vintages to his credit, Galante reflects on the drastic changes that have occurred in Argentina’s winemaking landscape, shifting from the era of cheap jug wines in the 1970s to the premium, terroir-driven wines that garner respect today.
"When we started planting new vineyards in the Uco Valley, the area was completely unknown to us,” Galante reminisces about the early days of exploring this promising region. Now boasting over 71,600 acres of vineyards, the Uco Valley has become a hub for some of Argentina’s most renowned wineries. Recognizing that altitude was a key differentiator, Galante and his colleagues began planting vineyards at higher elevations to experiment with cooler-climate varieties, significantly changing the local winemaking approach.
One of the varieties that Galante has extensively worked with is Pinot Noir. His initial attempts with the variety taught him invaluable lessons about its unique requirements. “I remember bringing in the first selections of Pinot Noir in the early 1990s. We planted and managed it like our other varieties, resulting in wines with 16% ABV! That experience showed me we had to adopt a completely different management style,” he recalls.
With several years of experimentation, including early harvests and new vineyard management techniques, Galante has excelled in producing high-quality Pinot Noir, especially at his current position with Salentein. “Pinot Noir has been one of the most challenging varieties to learn about, but it has taught me so much in both the vineyard and winery,” he reflects.
Beyond Pinot Noir, Galante has also significantly contributed to the quality of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc in Argentina. However, he credits Malbec as the driving force behind these advancements, stating, “It was Malbec that really pushed us all to show how this variety expresses itself differently in different places.” He emphasizes a philosophy of showcasing the unique expressions of Malbec from various regions, likening them to “postcards” that reflect local landscapes.
Galante’s commitment and humility have established him as a significant mentor within the Argentine wine community, guiding younger generations and leaving a lasting legacy in the industry. His career began at Catena Zapata, where he spent over 35 years, before continuing to forge his impactful journey at Salentein.