GRAN MERLOT
PULENTA ESTATE 2018
VELVET ELEGANCE • MENDOZA • ARGENTINA
"The ultimate sophistication of Merlot: a silken caress on the palate with the depth and character of the great terroirs of Agrelo."
Subtlety and Depth
The 2018 Pulenta Gran Merlot represents the friendliest and most sophisticated side of high-end red wines in Argentina. Produced under the Pulenta Estate winery's philosophy of "minimal intervention and maximum precision," this wine stands out for its incredible balance and elegance. The 2018 harvest allowed the Merlot variety to reach perfect phenolic maturity in the Agrelo terroir, resulting in a cellar-worthy red wine that combines notes of fresh black fruits with a tannic structure so fine it seems to disappear on the palate, leaving a trail of lasting elegance and complexity.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: Pulenta Estate.
Origin: Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza (980 masl).
Vintage: 2018.
Volume: 750 ml.
Aging: 18 months in new French oak barrels.
Style: Full-bodied red wine, aromatic complexity and superior elegance.
2. Sommelier Notes
Appearance: Deep ruby red with garnet hues, clean, bright, and with great chromatic intensity.
Nose: Pure varietal expression with high intensity of ripe red and black fruits, such as cherries and plums. It is complemented by fine spicy notes, chocolate, tobacco, and a soft balsamic background contributed by its oak aging.
Palate: Smooth, unctuous, and elegant entry. The tannins are sweet and velvety, providing magnificent roundness. It possesses a balanced acidity that enhances its complexity and a long, sophisticated, and pleasant finish.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Pairing and Suggested Moments
Gastronomy: Its velvety texture and gastronomic profile make it ideal for refined pairings such as lean red meats, game birds (duck or pheasant), and mushroom dishes like funghi risotto. It is also an exceptional companion for stuffed pastas with mild cream sauces or medium-aged cheeses like Gruyère or Camembert.
Suggested Moments:
- Romantic Dinner: Its kindness and elegance make it the quintessential seductive wine for special evenings.
- Business: Ideal for an executive meal where a high-end Argentine red wine that projects sophistication is sought.
- Special Celebration: To commemorate intimate moments with a premium limited-edition red wine.
- Exclusive Gift: An impeccable choice for wine lovers who appreciate noble varietals and the fineness of French oak.
- Family Meal: Perfect for accompanying a sirloin or tenderloin at a distinguished gastronomic gathering.
- Summer: Due to its elegant structure, served at an ideal temperature of 15°C, it is fantastic for outdoor sunset dinners.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
What makes Pulenta Estate's Merlot different from other Argentine wines?
Unlike many Merlot varietals that are light, the Pulenta Estate Gran Merlot combines the body and structure of a great cellar-worthy red wine with the velvety softness characteristic of the grape, favored by the terroir and loam-silt soil of Agrelo, Mendoza.
Is it recommended to decant the 2018 Pulenta Gran Merlot before consuming?
Yes, as it is a red wine from the 2018 vintage with 18 months of prolonged barrel aging, we recommend decanting it for 30 to 45 minutes before serving to allow its oxygenation and release all its aromatic layers.
Does this red wine contain sulfites?
Yes. Like all high-quality fine wines intended for bottle aging, it contains sulfites to ensure its optimal conservation and oenological evolution.