Notes
Settle-in and let your imagination wander through an exotic landscape. Like diving into seemingly endless layers of rich textures. Satisfyingly harmonious from tip to tail. Good for when you're feeling pensive.
Complex, floral, bone dry, a bit meaty and with freshness thanks to the altitude of the vineyards. if you like wines with strong tannins, you'll love this one.
The grapes come from two different vineyards oriented East to West, in the "Paraje de Botas" at about 860 meters above sea level (masl), one of the highest areas in the DO Almansa.
The DO Almansa sits on a plateau that transitions from an altitude of 650 to 950 meters above sea level. It is called the corridor of Almansa and is the transition from the Mediterranean area of Alicante and Valencia to the continental area of La Mancha.
Facts
Annual Production: 10,000 bottles (ALBAE Wine Club has access to a limited number of 500 annually)
Type: Tinto (Red)
Body: Full
Palate: Dry
Finish: sharp & Long
Grape Variety: Coupage of 75% Syrah and 25% Garnacha Tintorera (also known as Alicante Bouschet, a grape with red flesh)
Viticulture / Farming: Organic Dry-Farming - Terroir driven
ABV%: 13.6
Ageing: 12 months in used, 500 l oak barrels (French and American oak)
Winemakers: Carlos Gramage Gómez & Juan Huertas
Bodega: Matamangos - Santa Rosa Estate
Region: Castilla-La Mancha - Albacete
Designation of Origin (DOQ): Almansa
Micro-Climate: Continental mild / Mediterranean
Elevation: 860 meters above sea level
Age of Vines: 20-25 years old
Soil: Poor, calcareous and stony
Vintage: 2016 was a dry year in general, but not too warm. Very good vintage overall
Tips
- Drink now or keep for up to 8 years
- No decanting necessary, just uncork 20/30 minutes before serving
- Pairs with Tapas, Manchego or any cheese (cow, goat or sheep), Ibérico ham, Paté or any Spreads, Poultry, Pasta or Pizza, Legumes or Meat, stews, all Mediterranean and Asian rice-based dishes, or typical dishes from La Mancha such as "Gazpacho Manchego", "Pisto Manchego", or "Ajo Arriero."
- Ideal at room temperature or slightly chilled
Terroir
Over 40 hectares of highly calcareous soils with some clay and stones. High elevation plateau, ranging between 680 and 960 meters above sea level. The vineyards range between 18 and 70 years of age, cultivated in organic farming and in combination with olive trees and some cereals. Mild continental weather, with several weeks of temperatures below zero Celsius at night but warm temperatures during the day.
