Atamisque Serbal Pinot Noir 2018 Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina 75cl

Bodega Atamisque sits in the San Jose area of Tupungato, high in the Uco Valley, a striking stone-roofed winery surrounded by old forest and framed by the Andes. Founded by Frenchman John Du Monceau, it farms more than a hundred hectares at around 1,300 metres and exports across the world, alongside a golf course, restaurant and guest lodge.

Serbal is Atamisque’s fresh, fruit-led range, deliberately unoaked so the vibrancy of the fruit does the talking. The range is built for immediacy and value. This Pinot Noir is grown at altitude, where cool nights and bright days help the delicate variety keep its perfume and natural freshness.

From the 2018 harvest, this is a light, easy-drinking style of Pinot Noir made for early enjoyment rather than long ageing. Its unoaked, transparent style is all about drinkability, and it is best enjoyed within a few years of the vintage.

Expect bright red cherry and strawberry, a subtle earthy note and soft, gentle tannins, with a clean and refreshing finish. It is delicate and versatile. Serve lightly chilled with salmon, roast chicken, charcuterie or a mushroom dish. Chilling it for twenty minutes lifts the fruit.

Pinot Noir remains a rarity in Argentina, and Atamisque’s cool Tupungato site is one of the better homes for it. If you enjoy lighter, fresher reds and want a food-friendly bottle that flatters the table, this is an easy recommendation for warm-weather drinking. Twenty minutes in the fridge is all it needs to shine on a summer table or over a relaxed lunch outdoors.