Campo Arriba

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The Candela family know their way around the Yecla DO and its native grapes, having founded the Señorio de Barahonda winery in 1925 (the oldest in the region) and handing down their artisan spirit through four generations. They live with the conviction that good wine is made in the vineyard, and their estate is farmed accordingly. Their 340 hectares (840 acres) are planted on sandy limestone soils and farmed organically, using no additional irrigation despite the extremely dry climate. Here, gnarly-looking Monastrell vines stand their ground against the scorching summer days and freezing winter nights, occasionally soothed by a westerly Mediterranean breeze. Winemakers Augustin Carrion and Araceli Gonzalez Martinez are key figures who have shown the potential of Monastrell in Yecla.

WHAT MAKES THIS WINE UNIQUE?

Campo Arriba is the northernmost vineyard area in the Yecla region. It is also the highest, located between 700-800m (2,300-2,625 ft) altitude. In this area, best quality grapes mature more slowly due to diurnal temperature variation

RATING HISTORY:

2021 91D, 91JS; 2020 92JS; 2019 92JS; 2018 92JS, 90VM; 2017 91JS; 2016 91JS, 2015 92JS; 2014 93RP

GRAPE:

70% Monastrell, 20% Syrah, 10% Garnacha Tintorera. Organically grown vines planted from 1987-1992. Tended in 70% limestone and 30% sand soils at 750m (2,460ft) elevation

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:

Pasta with meat sauce, mushrooms, cured cheeses, red meats, legumes, and cured ham

VINIFICATION AND AGING:

Fermentation takes places in stainless steel tanks for 15 days. Then the wine is aged in French oak barrels for 8 months

LOCATION, SOIL, CLIMATE:

70% limestone and 30% sand soils at 750m (2,460ft) elevation

TASTING NOTES:

Blackberries, blueberries, acacia flowers, and chalky minerality dominate the aromatics and flavors. It is full-bodied, the price is absurdly low for a wine of this quality, and I suspect it can age nicely for another 5-6 years, although its true value is its exuberance, fruit purity and density.

ALCOHOL CONTENT:

14.5%

UPC CODE:

8437013189255