THE HARVEST
The altitude of the vineyards (915 m) helps to obtain optimal ripening of the grapes and good polyphenol levels and low yields. The vineyards are an average of 35 years old, with a thin, unfertile organic topsoil with limestone rock. Michel Rolland and Javier Galarreta found in this area the poorest, stony soils with high limestone content that yield powerful but elegant wines.
VINIFICATION
85% Old Vine Tempranillo, 15% Merlot. The selection of grapes is done on the vineyard and later at the selection table. The stalks are then removed from the grapes without squeezing them. Grapes are maintained in controlled conditions, with long macerations at low temperatures in oak casks with the cap submerged. The must is naturally pumped over using gravity in order to achieve the best extraction of polyphenols. The pressing is carried out using pneumatic presses and a vertical press, and the malolactic fermentation then takes place in French oak casks. This wine has been bottled without filtration.
THE AGEING
The wine is aged for a total of 10 months in French oak.
TASTING NOTES
Colour: Intense, dark ruby colour.
Nose: Alluring aromas of cinnamon, spices, lavender, and black cherry lead to a smooth-textured, nicely balanced wine.
Palate: It is rich, concentrated and fleshy and shows elegance and complexity. On the palate, it shows silky tannins, with a succulent structure and excellent depth.
Food matches: Red meats, stews, game, cured cheeses.