2012 Pucalan Arenaria Pinot Noir

There is a new classical Pinot Noir from the Aconcagua Costa appellation, first produced in 2012, called Pucalán Arenaria Pinot Noir; it comes from four hectares of vines planted in 2006 at very high density (10,000 plants per hectare), situated on limestone subsoils with a layer of clay on top. The plants are from a Burgundy massale selection and the vinification is classical, slow fermentation of destemmed but not crushed grapes in cement vats with indigenous yeasts; it undergoes mallactico and aging in French oak barrels -- that are handcrafted by themselves -- for some 18 months. Winemaker François Massoc was a barrel maker and they make all the barrels they use in all the projects where he is involved. The nose is ripe and shows nice evolution with aromas of forest floor, decayed leaves, wild strawberries and even truffles. The palate is silky and ripe with soft tannins, very approachable and easy to drink. This is round, fleshy and ripe, classical Pinot. 3,600 bottles produced.