Grapes: 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2010
Color: Red
This project started as a tribute to Tempranillo by winemaker Joaquin Galvez and Aurelio. With Tempranillo forming the backbone of Spain’s most famous wines, the La Viña Cooperative in Valencia planted Tempranillo widely with the goal of reproducing some of the qualities of those famous wines. This project would not be possible without the wealth of vineyards and range of altitudes the coop has planted. Contrary to popular opinion that Valencia is too warm for Tempranillo, the cooperative has planted the varietal at a range of altitudes from 300 to nearly 900 meters above sea level, at these high altitudes, the Tempranillo ripens slowly developing a tremendous aromatic potential. The lower altitude vines take advantage of cooling sea breezes and the higher altitude vines cooler nights to maintain and develop those aromatic qualities.
The grapes were fermented separately in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks with periodic pump over. There is no press wine used in the final blend of the wine as Joaquin seeks to gain all of the structure and character of fruit he needs during fermentation. After malolactic fermentation in stainless steel the wine is racked to French and American oak barrels for a period of aging prior to being bottled unfiltered.
Reviews
Publication
Score
Comments
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
90
Inky violet. Cassis, black cherry, licorice and tobacco on the nose. Juicy, penetrating and sharply focused, with flavors of bitter cherry, dark berries and candied violet. Harmonious tannins come on late and add structure without getting in the way of the fruit. Vibrant, youthful and balanced wine with very good finishing clarity and lingering florality. Issue 158, Sept/Oct 2011
