Gen Del Alma: Interview with Winemaker Belén Sánchez

The oenologist talks about the role of women in Argentina’s wine industry and Gen del Alma wines.

A few weeks ago, I posted a picture on instagram of “my summer wine”. This was a blend of Malbec and Pinot Noir. Yes, you read that correctly! Just like you and me, some followers were intrigued by the unusual combination of these two grape varieties. That’s the reason I reached out to the producers, to discover more about their wines. Winemaker Belén Sánchez kindly agreed to an interview.

Of Wine And Gender Equality

Belén, a young and experienced oenologist, is the winemaker at Gen del Alma, alongside Matías Prieto. The winery is located in the renowned Gualtallary wine sub-region, in the Uco Valley.

I took this opportunity to inquire about her thoughts on women in a male-dominated industry.

As more female winemakers and viticulturists work in this industry, their role in the success of top Argentine wineries can’t be ignored. Such is the case of Susana Balbo (Susana Balbo wines), Valeria Antolin (Piattelli Vineyards), Magdalena Viani (Trivento) and Pamela Alfonso (Bodega Alta Vista), among others.

Belén noted that women have had to work hard to establish their presence in the wine industry. “Currently, women are playing a more significant role and are being acknowledged for their work, allowing them to achieve inclusion in the industry.”

She believes the wine business is still evolving. Efforts must still be made to eliminate gender inequality in the workplace.

The winemaker also mentioned the success of women in key roles beyond winemaking, due to “their active participation and constant hard work.” They are successful sommeliers —Argentina’s Best Sommelier 2019 is a woman— hospitality managers, marketing managers and commercial representatives, just to name a few of their roles.

Certainly, the evolution of Argentina’s wine industry doesn’t only involve the discovery of new terroirs or the improvement on the quality and complexity of the wines. The evolution is moving slowly but steadily towards gender equality as well.

Gen del Alma Wines

Gen del Alma was founded in 2011, by five Argentinian investors who were passionate about wine. Their goal is to make elegant and fine wines that show the characteristics of the terroir.

Gen del Alma’s vineyards are at 4,429 – 4,593 feet above sea level in Gualtallary.

When asked about what makes Gualtallary such an special place, Belen said, “The particularity of this terroir lies in the fact that it has alluvial soils, with calcium carbonate that highlights a mineral character in wines.”

Although they don’t have an organic certification, their 17 acres of vineyards are organically grown.

Ji Ji Ji Wines

Ji Ji Ji red blend and Chenin Blanc are available in the U.S. As its name suggests, “Ji Ji Ji is a wine that expresses happiness, smiles and good moments”.

The wine that led to this interview is Ji Ji Ji Malbec CO2 Pinot Noir.

The grapes for this blend underwent carbonic maceration just like Beaujolais wines. Then, both Pinot Noir and Malbec were co-fermented in cement amphorae using native yeasts.

As I mentioned before this is an interesting combination of grapes. I wonder why the winemakers decided to blend them together.

“The freshness and acidity provided by Pinot Noir complement Malbec very well. The latter adds structure and polyphenolic concentration to the wine,” explained Belén. I must say the outcome is delicious!

Since Ji Ji Ji blend is all about delicate red and black fruit flavors (cherry, black plum, cranberry) and refreshing acidity, I recommend serving it lightly chilled (50 – 55°F).

Ji Ji Ji Chenin Blanc is made with fruit sourced from old vines at Villa Seca (3,313 f.a.s.l), Uco Valley. The grapes undergo a cold pre-fermentation maceration. Then, they are pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures.

The winemaker described the resulting wine as a Chenin Blanc of “gold color, herbaceous, citric, white fruits notes and great natural acidity.”

I haven’t had a chance to try this wine yet but it’s in my shopping list now!