You may be asking why the two names Carlos Pulenta and Vistalba. Good question! I don't know and that is were the problem started for me.
But before the bad, let's talk about the good. The Pulenta family has been in the region for some time. In the 1970's they acquired a winery owned by the Benegas family. Trapiche was the most popular wine produced from their winery. In 2002, Trapiche and subsidiary companies were purchased by DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (yes, see wikipedia). As part of the sale, Carlos (son) negotiated a purchase of the 'old vine' vineyards in the Vistalba region from his father so that he could continue to forge a path in the industry. From this he created Carlos Pulenta Wines.
The winery (completed 2004) is very unique. It was built 5 meters (15 feet) underground in order to create a natural cellar environment without any aid from systems to control humidity / temperature.
Another interesting bit is the use of concrete tanks for fermentation. This was the first time that I have seen concrete tanks in a new winery. But this is in line with the old world style of wines which Carlos Pulenta wants to pursue.
As far as the wines, they offer four labels to the market: Tomero, Vistalba, Progenie and Corte V. For our tasting we were introduced to the two lower lines of Tomero and Vistalba.
2009 Sauvignon Blanc - No structure, very light, and a bit too tart. Not good.
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon - Green with lots of tannins. Not good.
2006 Petite Verdot - Interesting and a fair effort. Ok.
2007 Corte C (Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda) - Too young to tell. Must sit for sometime to evolve. Nothing noteworthy yet but I like the idea of blends from Argentina and prefer an old world style so I give it a hair of hope.
Recap:
Winery
Carlos Pulenta - Bodege Vistalba, Old World wines, Natural temperature and humidity control, No need to visit
Wines
2009 Tomero Sauvignon Blanc, , QPR Very Low
2007 Tomero Cabernet Sauvignon, USD12, QPR Very Low
2006 Tomero Reserva Petite Verdot, USD25, QPR Low
2007 Vistalba Corte C, USD15, QPR Mid
Wines we bought to drink
None
Restaurant
La Bourgogne - Uninspiring. Don't bother.
Contacts
www.carlospulentawines.com
