# La Zulema Malbec (2022)

- **Producer:** Bodegas y Viñedos Hugo y Eduardo Pulenta
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Malbec
- **Region:** Mendoza, Argentina
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €10
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** violet, red cherry, blackberry, strawberry, blueberry, vanilla, cloves, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

La Zulema Malbec 2022 is a single-varietal Malbec from the Luján de Cuyo region of Mendoza, Argentina. The wine is named in honor of Finca La Zulema, the original Pulenta Estate, and serves as a tribute to the winery's origins. Bodegas y Viñedos Hugo y Eduardo Pulenta, established in 2002, carries forward a four-generation family history in Argentine viticulture, dating back to 1902. The estate's philosophy emphasizes the creation of limited series of high-quality wines that express Argentine pride and a thoughtful approach to the consumer. The vineyards are located at an altitude of 980 meters, on alluvial soils characterized by low fertility, which promotes good polyphenol concentration in the grapes. The 2022 vintage benefited from favorable weather, contributing to the ripeness and concentration of the fruit.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyard planted in 1992.
- Named after the Pulenta family's original estate.
- Represents a four-generation winemaking legacy.
- Grown at 980 meters altitude.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-full body and pleasant tannins are well-suited to complement the richness and protein of red meats like beef and lamb. Its fruit-forward character can stand up to robust flavors, while subtle oak notes can echo savory herbs or spices in dishes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for La Zulema Malbec begins with a pre-fermentation maceration of 12-24 hours at low temperatures (5-8°C). Fermentation occurs in a combination of stainless steel tanks and concrete vats. Malolactic fermentation is spontaneous, taking place in concrete vats, and potentially in French oak barrels according to some sources. The wine is then aged for 4-6 months in second and third-use barrels, with some indications of a longer aging period of 16-18 months in French oak. Grapes are harvested manually with selection of bunches and berries.