Vistalba Corte A 2017

Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving.

Second generation winemaker Carlos Pulenta is often considered to be Argentina’s answer to Robert Parker. He founded Bodega Vistalba in 2002 as his own personal project, based on the Bordeaux chateau model of making complex red blends which age beautifully. The winery is located in Mendoza’s Lujan de Cuyo sub-region, and is the only producer permitted to use the Vistalba appellation on its bottles. The winery itself has been cleverly designed to use gravity rather than pumps throughout the winemaking process, and the architecture showcases the traditional Argentinian “criollo” style.

Corte A or “Blend A” is primarily composed of Malbec and a smaller amount of Bonarda from vines planted in 1948 along with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon. Vistalba’s vineyards sit at an impressive 980 metres above sea level where conditions are ideal for producing smooth, well-rounded reds thanks to the sunny days and cooler nights.

Once in the winery the varieties are vinified separately with a small proportion of Malbec and Bonarda fermented together. The young wine then ages in French oak barrels for 18 months, adding hints of spice, tobacco leaf and vanilla to the rich dark plum, chocolate and berry notes from the grapes. The full body, firm tannins and long finish make this a great wine to cellar for a while longer or enjoy now alongside hearty red meat dishes.