{"product_id":"pulenta-estate-gran-cabernet-franc","title":"Pulenta Estate, Gran Cabernet Franc XI 2021","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eProduct Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eCountry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 2;\"\u003e Argentina\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eRegion\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 2;\"\u003e Mendoza\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eGrape Variety \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eCabernet Franc\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eVintage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 2;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e2021\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eABV \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e14.5%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuy Pulenta Estate Gran \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/cabernet-franc\" title=\"Cabernet Franc Wine Collection\"\u003eCabernet Franc\u003c\/a\u003e XI 2021 to discover a distinctive expression of high-altitude \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/argentina\" title=\"Argentina Wine Collection\"\u003eArgentine\u003c\/a\u003e Cabernet Franc \u003c\/strong\u003efrom Pulenta Estate's historic vineyards in Agrelo, \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/mendoza\" title=\"Mendoza Wine Collection\"\u003eMendoza\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e. The 2021 vintage combines ripe black and blue fruit with the savoury, herbal character that makes Cabernet Franc so compelling, supported by fine tannins, freshness and carefully integrated French oak.\u003cbr\u003eMade from grapes grown at approximately 980 metres above sea level, this is a sophisticated Mendoza \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/red-wine\" title=\"Red Wine Collection\"\u003ered wine\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e for enthusiasts looking beyond \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/malbec\" title=\"Malbec Wine Collection\"\u003eMalbec\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e. The combination of altitude, mature vines and Pulenta Estate's meticulous vineyard management gives the wine impressive aromatic definition without sacrificing concentration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe 2021 Vintage: Freshness, Structure and Definition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Pulenta Estate Gran Cabernet Franc XI 2021 stands out for its balance between intensity and precision. Rather than relying solely on richness, the vintage shows the more lifted, savoury side of Argentine Cabernet Franc.\u003cbr\u003eDeep ruby-violet in colour, the wine opens with aromas of blackberry, blueberry and ripe plum alongside roasted pepper, eucalyptus and mountain herbs. Tobacco, cedar and gentle spice add complexity, while subtle cocoa and vanilla characters reflect its French oak maturation.\u003cbr\u003eOn the palate, the 2021 is medium to full-bodied, with juicy dark fruit, polished tannins and a fresh, linear character. The finish is long and persistent, leaving flavours of black fruit, spice, tobacco and herbs.\u003cbr\u003eThis combination makes the 2021 particularly appealing for drinkers searching for an age-worthy Cabernet Franc from Mendoza that offers both immediate drinking pleasure and further development in bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine Critics' Scores \u0026amp; Tasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2021 vintage has attracted strong critical attention. Published specialist listings report 95 points from Tim Atkin MW and 94 points from James Suckling.\u003cbr\u003eA detailed 2021 tasting description highlights ripe plum and berry fruit, sweet tobacco, grilled red pepper, subtle spice, ash and orange nuances, followed by a medium-bodied palate with fine tannins and a long, elegant finish. \u003cbr\u003eThe wine's combination of fruit, freshness and savoury Cabernet Franc character is also reflected in consumer tasting data, where oak, vanilla, chocolate, spice, eucalyptus, blackberry and plum are among the most frequently reported flavours. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy This 2021 Cabernet Franc Is Different\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCabernet Franc can produce wines ranging from light, herbal reds to powerful Bordeaux-style examples. The Gran Cabernet Franc XI 2021 occupies an appealing middle ground: concentrated enough for the dinner table, but lifted by altitude-derived freshness and savoury varietal character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit comes from Pulenta Estate's Finca La Zulema vineyard in Agrelo, planted in 1992 at around 980 metres. Rocky, well-drained soils and the high-altitude environment help preserve Cabernet Franc's aromatic character while delivering ripe fruit and structure. \u003cbr\u003eFrench oak maturation adds texture and spice rather than overwhelming the fruit, making this a particularly polished example of premium Argentine Cabernet Franc.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing: What to Eat with Pulenta Gran Cabernet Franc\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe wine's combination of ripe fruit, freshness and firm-but-polished tannins makes it an excellent match for substantial savoury dishes.\u003cbr\u003eTry the 2021 with:\u003cbr\u003e• Grilled ribeye or sirloin steak\u003cbr\u003e• Roast lamb with rosemary and herbs\u003cbr\u003e• Argentine-style grilled meats and barbecue\u003cbr\u003e• Slow-cooked beef or short ribs\u003cbr\u003e• Wild mushrooms and roasted vegetables\u003cbr\u003e• Mature Cheddar and other hard cheeses\u003cbr\u003e• Rich pasta dishes with tomato or mushroom sauces\u003cbr\u003eFor the best experience, serve at 16–18°C and consider decanting for around 45 minutes to allow the aromatics and texture to open.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrinking Window and Cellaring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2021 is approachable now, particularly after decanting, but its tannin structure, freshness and oak maturation give it the potential to develop additional complexity over the coming years. A cellar window of approximately 8–10 years is a reasonable guide, with the wine expected to gain further savoury and tertiary character as it evolves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eQ. Is Pulenta Estate Gran Cabernet Franc XI 2021 full-bodied?\u003cbr\u003eA. It is best described as medium to full-bodied. Ripe black and blue fruit provide concentration, while freshness and polished tannins prevent the wine from feeling heavy.\u003cbr\u003eQ. Is Cabernet Franc from Mendoza similar to French Cabernet Franc?\u003cbr\u003eA. Both share Cabernet Franc's characteristic herbal, peppery and savoury notes, but Mendoza's high-altitude conditions can produce riper fruit and greater concentration while retaining freshness and varietal definition.\u003cbr\u003eQ. What makes the 2021 vintage special?\u003cbr\u003eA. The 2021 combines ripe plum and berry flavours with grilled pepper, eucalyptus, tobacco and spice. Its fine tannins, freshness and long finish give it a particularly balanced and precise profile.\u003cbr\u003eQ. Should I decant this Argentine Cabernet Franc?\u003cbr\u003eA. Yes. Decanting for approximately 45 minutes can help open the wine's fruit and herbal aromas while allowing the tannins to soften.\u003cbr\u003eQ. How long can I cellar Pulenta Gran Cabernet Franc XI 2021?\u003cbr\u003eA. The wine is enjoyable now but has the structure to develop further. Around 8–10 years of cellaring should allow additional savoury and tertiary complexity to emerge under suitable storage conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExplore More Argentine Fine Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDiscover more from our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/argentina\" title=\"Argentina Wine Collection\"\u003eArgentina\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/mendoza\" title=\"Mendoza Wine Collection\"\u003eMendoza\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/cabernet-franc\" title=\"Cabernet Franc Wine Collection\"\u003eCabernet Franc\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/red-wine\" title=\"Red Wine Collection\"\u003eRed Wine\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e collections, or explore other premium Argentine wines for comparison.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Divine Fine Wines","offers":[{"title":"75cl \/ Tax Included","offer_id":52445108011351,"sku":null,"price":42.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"6x75cl \/ Tax Included","offer_id":52445114696023,"sku":null,"price":257.7,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0929\/5334\/6391\/files\/Pulenta-Gran-Cabernet-Franc-2021.jpg?v=1767381544","url":"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/products\/pulenta-estate-gran-cabernet-franc","provider":"Divine Fine Wines","version":"1.0","type":"link"}