Notes
Lo Moreno is an organic/biodynamic red wine from Terra Alta in Catalunya, in the province of Tarragona. Made from 100% Morenillo (one of Terra Alta's local indigenous grape varieties) matured for about six months in large terracotta amphorae.
Lo Moreno has a strong Mediterranean personality with a jammy, aromatic and rich character. Showcasing a palate of strawberries and aromas of cherries in liqueur, mixed in with the freshness of Mediterranean herbs, and excellent acidity.
On the top portion of the label, you will see "Vi de terra panal" (wine from Panal soils). "Panal" soils are fossilized sand dunes from the Quaternary period.
The Morenillo grape is an ancient local variety native to Terra Alta. Some of these vineyards are over 100-years old and are very scarce. The Designation of Origin regulatory body is presently conducting the classification and accounting of all these old vineyards, and as it stands the number of hectares of Morenillo may be below 20 in total.
This is a very unique and rare wine, with a very limited annual production.
Facts
Annual Production: 1,500 bottles (The club has access to 100 annually)
Type: Tinto (Red)
Body: Medium to full
Palate: Dry
Finish: Aromatic and warm
Grape Variety: 100% Morenillo
Viticulture / Farming: Organic with biodynamic orientation - Terroir Driven
ABV %: 14.0
Ageing: In 750-litre terracotta amphorae for 6 months, then in the bottle since June, 19th, 2020
Winemakers: Josep Arrufat & Joan Ramón Bada
Bodega: Vins del Tros
Region: Catalunya, Tarragona
Designation of Origin (DO): Terra Alta
Micro-Climate: A mix of Mediterranean & Continental (dry hot summers & cold winters)
Elevation: 410 meters above sea level (Vineyard La Cirera)
Age of Vines: over 40 years old
Soil: Fossilized sand & argilo-calcareous limestone
Tips
- Drink now or keep for up to 3 years
- Decanting recommended. Uncork at least 30 min 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, typical Spanish dishes, all Mediterranean and Asian rice-based dishes spiced but not too hot.
- Ideal at 17/18 Celsius
Terroir
The Ancient Romans are thought to have introduced viticulture to the area, a Roman road connecting Zaragoza to Tortosa passed through the region.
Lo Moreno grapes come from the plot La Cirera, located near the town of Villalba dels Arcs. The vines are between 35 and 45 years old, grown on sandy-clay soils. El Cierzo, a dry wind originating in the Ebro River Valley just to the West, plays a vital role in moderating temperatures during the growing season. The vineyard is located in the valley below the town of Villalba dels Arcs at an elevation of 410 meters above sea level.
Vinification
The organically grown grapes are harvested by hand and transported in crates of 15 kilos to the cellar in order to ensure fermentation does not start prematurely. The Morenillo grapes ferment with their own natural yeasts in small stainless steel vats, including its malolactic fermentation. The wine is matured for about six months in 750-litre terracotta amphorae in order to preserve all its natural, primary aromas, unique character, and Mediterranean personality, avoiding any woody flavours and tertiary aromas from the oak.
Winemakers
The Vins del Tros project was initiated in 2009 by Josep Arrufat, vintner, and Joan Ramón Bada, oenologist and winemaker.
Josep and Joan Ramón have been friends since their childhood. They were born in Villalba dels Arcs, a beautiful, small municipality (established in the year 1224 by the Templars of Miravet) a medieval town located just southwest of the Ebro river, close to the estuary where it meets the Mediterranean sea.
The two friends are tied to their roots; passionate about the vineyards and the wine from their homeland, and for this reason, their vision is to produce wines that represent the distinctive characteristics of the Terra Alta region, and of each specific plot of land. This is why they named their project "Vins del Tros" (Wines from the plot, in English).
They are achieving their goal by naturally extracting the full potential from a variety of small local plots, vineyards (between 20 and 90 years old) of Garnacha Blanca, Garnacha Tinta - the two main local grape varieties - as well as old Carinyena plots (locally called Samsó), and a plot of the indigenous grape called Morenillo.
Ratings & Reviews
91 Points - Robert Parker Wine Advocate (reviewer Luis Gutierrez)
