Vintage Character In 2023 multiple frosts affected yields in parts of Argentina, particularly in Patagonia and the southern Uco Valley. With less fruit, the warm, dry season accelerated development, and many wines show intensity along with natural acidity. In 2023, the Estate Pinot Noir from Pulenta Estate reflects that season. Pulenta Estate Pinot Noir is a varietal red from Mendoza, a region better known for Malbec. Mendoza sits at the foot of the Andes, and its high-altitude vineyards enjoy sunny days and cool nights. Luján de Cuyo, where Pulenta has its estate, is long associated with perfumed, elegant Malbec.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairing Red cherry, raspberry and violet lead, with light spice. It is dry, medium-bodied, with medium-high acidity and medium tannins. The palate is fresh and supple, with fine tannins and a savoury finish. It is best enjoyed in its youth. Roast chicken, duck and salmon suit it. Serve at about 16 to 18 degrees Celsius in a wide glass, and decant a young bottle for a short time if you like. Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned grape that shows differences of site and vintage clearly, which is why Burgundy takes vineyard names so seriously. Firm cheeses such as Comté also work, as do soy-braised dishes that are not too sweet. A wine of this weight rewards a few minutes in the glass, when the fruit settles and the spice and savoury notes come forward.
Winery Background Pulenta Estate was founded in 2002 by the brothers Eduardo and Hugo Pulenta, from a family with generations in Argentine winegrowing. The estate is in Alto Agrelo in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, at about 980 metres above sea level on the La Zulema vineyard. The aim was to make limited series of high-quality wines that show the varieties and terroirs of Mendoza. The brothers say they built the winery on the legacy of their grandfather and the experience of their father.