Cornelie by Salentein: A Pinot Noir Tribute in Three Expressions.
On a sunny day in May, at Landgoed de Salentein in Nijkerk, we were invited by Dutch importer Verbunt Verlinden, to attend the official launch of a very special new project by Bodegas Salentein: Cornelie. This new line of wines, named in honour of Cornelie Pon-Parlevliet (1904-1980), marks a bold step forward in Salentein’s long-standing journey with Pinot Noir in the high-altitude vineyards of Argentina’s Uco Valley.
Cornelie is not simply a new label. It is the culmination of more than two decades of research, dedication, and experimentation. The line consists of three single-clone Pinot Noir wines, each vinified separately and made exclusively from one of the noble Pinot Noir clones: 115, 667, and 777. All three wines originate from the San Pablo estate, perched at an impressive altitude of 1,300 meters above sea level.
A Personal and Historical Tribute
The name Cornelie carries deep meaning for the Pon family. Cornelie Pon was not only the mother of Salentein’s founder, Mijndert Pon, but also a symbol of creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. These values echo throughout the Cornelie project. Her legacy, still very present in the family and business ethos, inspired the development of this unique trio of wines.
Frederike Pon, who together with her brother Ben continues the Salentein journey, shared heartfelt words at the launch. She spoke of the passion and responsibility involved in stewarding the vision of their father, and how the Cornelie project ties family, wine, and legacy together in a meaningful way. The Cornelie wines represent the pinnacle of Salentein’s ongoing discovery of what Pinot Noir can express in their unique terroirs. It is a project rooted in emotion as much as viticulture.
The Legacy of Salentein and the Pon Family
Bodegas Salentein was founded in the late 1990s by Dutch entrepreneur Mijndert Pon, former head of Pon Holdings, an influential Dutch mobility and industrial group. After stepping down from his business ventures, Mijndert followed his adventurous spirit to Argentina. A serendipitous voyage brought him to the Uco Valley, where he fell in love with the land, the culture, and the potential to create world-class wines.
Salentein was one of the pioneering wineries in the Uco Valley, focusing from the outset on premium wine production. The estate now boasts more than 1,200 hectares of vineyards (located at heights between 1,050-1,700 meters), including the high-altitude San Pablo estate. The winery is known not only for its commitment to quality, but also for integrating art, culture, and nature in its philosophy. It houses an art gallery and chapel, making it a destination for wine and cultural tourism.
The Pon family has remained closely involved in Salentein’s operations, with Frederike and Ben Pon now steering the estate forward. Their vision continues to honour their father’s spirit, while embracing innovation and sustainability.
Landgoed de Salentein: A Piece of Argentina in the Netherlands
The event took place at Landgoed de Salentein in Nijkerk, a stately manor and culinary destination that serves as Salentein’s Dutch home base. The estate includes a fine-dining restaurant, event spaces, and a wine cellar offering the full range of Salentein wines.
The elegant surroundings of Landgoed de Salentein, with its classic architecture, tranquil garden terraces, and refined ambiance, offered a perfect stage for the introduction of Cornelie. The setting not only symbolised the historic connection between the Netherlands and Argentina, but also reflected the dual identity of the Salentein brand: rooted in European heritage, thriving in South American terroir.
A Deep Dive Into Clonal Selection
At the heart of the Cornelie project lies the concept of clonal selection. During the presentation, Floris Verlinden (Verbunt Verlinden) and Tom Dukker (Bodegas Salentein) guided attendees through the theory and practical application of using clones 115, 667, and 777—three of the most highly regarded Pinot Noir clones globally.
Each clone contributes distinct characteristics:
- 115: Known for elegance, finesse, and red fruit aromatics.
- 667: Brings structure and dark fruit, often a bit more brooding in style.
- 777: The “King of Clones,” offering richness, body, and complex aromatics.
Although vinified in near-identical conditions—same vintage, elevation, and similar aging protocols—and sourced from separate blocks within the same vineyard, each wine reveals a distinctly individual profile. Subtle variations in the winemaking process include the use of 10–15% whole bunch fermentation for clones 667 and 115, while clone 777 underwent a slightly shorter maceration period, enhancing its finesse and approachability.
Tasting them side-by-side allowed guests to experience how clonal selection can define a wine’s expression, even within the same terroir.
The Importance of San Pablo
The wines hail from the high-altitude vineyards of San Pablo, which recently earned its own Geographical Indication (GI) in 2019. With daytime and nighttime temperature differentials, low humidity, and stony alluvial soils, the site offers ideal conditions for cultivating Pinot Noir with precision and purity. The first Pinot Noir vines were planted here as early as 2007, and the team has since focused intently on understanding and refining their approach.
This clonal project is also part of Salentein’s broader research in plant material and adaptation to climate evolution, always working to stay ahead of viticultural challenges while preserving the authentic character of the wines.
The Wines and the Experience
Guests at the event were treated to a guided tasting of the three Cornelie wines, followed by an exceptional lunch in the elegant dining rooms of Landgoed de Salentein. The lunch was prepared by Chef Rik Jansma, known for his refined and seasonal cuisine, and was designed to pair with each of the Cornelie Pinot Noir clones.
Tasting Notes
The tasting provided a rare opportunity to explore the nuances of clonal diversity within one of Argentina’s most exciting terroirs. Each wine was poured side-by-side, allowing for a direct comparison of character, structure, and expression.
Clone 667 (95/100 DWA score): Tense, virile, and structured with aromas of truffle and mushroom layered over a core of red fruit. Steel and earth dominate the profile, with a poised, brooding energy. This is a wine that demands attention at the table – an ideal companion for savory, umami-rich dishes.
Clone 115 (94/100 DWA score): Subtle and sensitive, with a light color and floral lift. Red cherry, violet, and damp earth create a romantic, slightly melancholic profile. The texture is soft and caressing, the wine delicate yet expressive.
Clone 777 (97/100 DWA score): Deep and layered, with earthy spice, dark fruit, and hints of salinity. This wine exudes depth and minerality, evolving in the glass with refined complexity. Its power is wrapped in elegance, offering persistent length.
Lunch & Pairings
To further explore the sensory depth of these expressive Pinots, the wines were paired with a thoughtful and elegant four-course lunch. Each dish was crafted to highlight the unique strengths of the individual clones, making for a seamless continuation of the tasting experience.
Amuse:
Salentein Alyda Sparkling Brut Nature
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Oyster with Wild Garlic, Crustade with Green Apple and Tarragon
The bright acidity and minerality of the Alyda lifted the saline notes of the oyster and enhanced the herbal nuance of wild garlic. The green apple and tarragon provided a lively contrast, mirroring the freshness of the Brut Nature.
1st Course:
Cornelie Pinot Noir | Clone 667
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Raw Marinated Scallops with Red Grapes, Chestnut Mushrooms and Parsley
The earthy tone of Clone 667 resonated beautifully with the chestnut mushrooms, while its tense acidity cut through the richness of the scallop. Red grapes brought a sweet lift, matching the wine’s quiet fruit notes. The pairing demonstrated the potential of this clone to handle both texture and freshness.
2nd Course:
Cornelie Pinot Noir | Clone 115
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Country Chicken with Beurre Rouge, Peas and Shiitakes
Clone 115’s delicacy and red fruit aromatics melded seamlessly with the beurre rouge, creating a silk-textured match. The green sweetness of peas complemented the wine’s light body, while shiitakes pulled forth its forest floor complexity. A poetic match with finesse.
3rd Course:
Cornelie Pinot Noir | Clone 777
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Poached Beef Tenderloin with Asparagus, Morels and Red Wine Jus
The depth and mineral tension of Clone 777 stood firm against the richness of the tenderloin and jus. The morels enhanced the wine’s umami-laden spice, while asparagus lightened the palate. This was a standout pairing, showcasing the structural might and nuance of the 777 clone.
4th Course:
Pure Chocolate from the Andes with Coffee Churro and Blackcurrant Sorbet
Though not paired with wine, this dessert offered a powerful finish, with bold Andean cacao, warming spice, and a bright sorbet. Echoes of the Clone 777’s darker undertones lingered on the palate, drawing a final link to the Cornelie trilogy.
Summary
Cornelie is an ambitious and emotionally resonant project that brings together Bodegas Salentein’s pioneering spirit, the Pon family’s legacy, and Argentina’s evolving terroir. The three single-clone Pinot Noirs—each scored 94 points and higher by Dutch Wine Apprentice—showcase the diversity and depth of expression possible within the San Pablo Estate.
From the elegant and romantic Clone 115, to the structured and brooding Clone 667, and culminating in the powerful yet refined Clone 777, Cornelie captures the nuance of Pinot Noir like few New World wines do. Paired with a sophisticated multi-course lunch and presented in an exclusive, limited-edition release, the Cornelie launch set a new benchmark for single-clone, high-altitude winemaking in South America.
Final Thoughts
Cornelie is more than a new flagship line; it is a statement. A tribute to heritage, a celebration of terroir, and a deep dive into the nuance of Pinot Noir. In a world increasingly drawn to authenticity and precision, Salentein has carved out a new benchmark for high-altitude Argentine Pinot.
The Cornelie wines will be released in extremely limited quantities. Only 620 cases (of 3 bottles each) were produced for the inaugural vintage (2021), with only 200 cases allocated to the Netherlands. Each comes in a bespoke wooden case with detailed information on the vineyard, clones, and vinification process—making it as much a collector’s item as a wine to savor.
This article is written by our own Niels Aarts. Special thanks to Frederike Pon, Tom Dukker, Janine Smink (Bodegas Salentein), Floris Verlinden (Verbunt Verlinden) and Rik Jansma and his team (Landgoed de Salentein) for their generous hospitality and for sharing this milestone with us.
Pictures by the talented Gerlinde Polak (Captured by Gerlinde).
For more information about these new Cornelie wines or to place a pre-order, please call Verbunt Verlinden, Sales Support department. They can be reached through e-mail on: info@verbuntverlinden.nl
