LA CUNA DE LA POESÍA RESERVA

GRAPE: Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo.

APPELLATION: Rioja DOCa.

VINIFICATION: Grapes were picked by machine during the first week of October and delivered to the winery immediately. Half were de-stemmed, crushed and macerated cold, in keeping with traditional techniques. Fermentation was initiated with selected yeasts and controlled at 18-22C. The free run wine was then racked and the grape mass pressed. Natural malo-lactic fermentation followed. The remaining 50% of the grapes were de-stemmed only and fermented using a semi-carbonic, ‘gannymede’ maceration system, where the naturally produced carbon dioxide aided gentle and frequent pump overs. This second tank was pressed and the ensuing malo-lactic fermentation occurred naturally. On completion of the malo-lactic fermentation, the wine was aged in 225L American oak barrels for a period of 18 months. This was followed by a period of 36 months ageing in the bottle.

TASTING NOTES: Intense ruby-red colour, with more terracotta tones towards the rim of the glass. Lifted notes of black fruits, figs and vanilla lead to rich fruit flavors, with hints of spice and a smooth and long -lasting finish.

FOOD PAIRING: Barley risotto with duck confit and peas, grilled and marinated pork tenderloin, grilled lamb chops with garlic and rosemary, Rib-eye steak with parmesan and salad, and of course Iberico bellota ham.

RATINGS HISTORY:

Gold Medal Berliner Wein Trophy ; Vintage 2012.

Tech Sheet:

PRODUCER: La Cuna de la Poesía (The Cradle of Poetry) takes its name from the retreat in La Rioja Alta from which local legend, Gonzalo de Berceo, the first poet to write in the Romance language, penned his verses on the local Riojan wine of the early 12th century.