PULENTA ESTATE XI GRAN CABERNET FRANC 2021

Style Summary

A refined and expressive Argentine Cabernet Franc combining ripe dark fruit with the variety’s characteristic herbal freshness. Concentrated yet elegant, the wine offers polished tannins, savory complexity and a long, beautifully balanced finish.

Region, Grape & Style

• Región: Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
• Vineyard: La Zulema Estate
• Grape: 100% Cabernet Franc
• Style: Full-bodied, oak-aged red wine
• Alcohol: 14% ABV

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Deep ruby red with vibrant purple highlights.

Nose: Intense and layered aromas of ripe plum, blackberry and dark berries, accompanied by roasted red pepper, eucalyptus and sweet tobacco. Subtle notes of orange peel, spice and toasted oak add further complexity.

Palate: Rich and concentrated without feeling heavy. Ripe dark fruit is balanced by savory herbs, grilled pepper, tobacco and delicate spice, supported by a subtle touch of oak.

Structure: Medium to full-bodied, with fine-grained tannins, refreshing acidity and an elegant, linear profile.

Finish: Long and polished, leaving lingering impressions of ripe fruit, sweet spice, tobacco and fresh herbs.

Summary

Pulenta Estate XI Gran Cabernet Franc is one of Mendoza’s most distinguished expressions of the variety. Produced from mature estate-grown vines in Agrelo, it combines Argentina’s generous fruit character with Cabernet Franc’s natural freshness and savory complexity. The result is a sophisticated, beautifully structured wine with both immediate appeal and excellent aging potential.

Vintage & Production Notes

The grapes originate from the Pulenta family’s La Zulema Estate vineyard in Agrelo, situated approximately 980 meters above sea level and planted in 1992. Careful vineyard selection and maturation in new French oak give the wine its depth, supple texture and elegant finish.

The 2021 vintage is particularly well balanced, delivering excellent concentration while retaining freshness and definition. It received 93 points from James Suckling, who highlighted its ripe plum, berry, sweet-tobacco and grilled-pepper character.

Drinking Window

Enjoy now through 2033. Decant for about one hour when drinking young to let the fruit, herbal notes, and oak-derived complexity open fully.

Food Pairing

An excellent partner for grilled ribeye, herb-crusted lamb, slow-braised beef, venison, roasted mushrooms or aged hard cheeses. Its savory character also complements dishes prepared with rosemary, thyme, peppers, or chimichurri.