WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
Selected grapes come from the Rioja Alavesa vineyards. Soils are a very poor, chalky type with a clayish-sandy texture. The vines have a medium age of 30 years and are grown using the traditional “gobelet” system. Twenty days of fermentation takes place and maceration is conducted in stainless steel, temperature-controlled vats with daily p p um overs in order to achieve the optimum color and tannin extraction. Malolactic fermentation happens in stainless steel tanks and then the wine is racked twice before going into oak barrels. The wine is aged in American and French oak barrels for 24 months, with three rackings. There is further bottle ageing of two years prior to release.
This wine is a bright, ruby red color, with brick red highlights. The aromas are intense and complex, with vanilla, spiced and aromatic herbs perfectly blended with mature red fruit. The mouth shows a very balanced, fine, elegant and rounded structure. It has a long, very pleasing finish.
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Ideal for all type of grilled and roasted meats, strong fish and all kinds of hard cheeses. It also is tasty with chocolate desserts and puddings.