La Tercera Crianza

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For La Tercera Crianza, all the fruit is sourced from plots located south of the Ebro River, sheltered by the Sierra de la Demanda. These vineyards benefit from the convergence of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences at altitudes between 500 and 720 meters above sea level. The soils are clay-sandy, shaped by millions of years of erosion. The vineyard is managed with utmost environmental respect, practicing integrated production with lower yields per hectare and an ecological approach. This ensures high-quality grapes that embody the unique characteristics of the soil and climate, preserving the values and origins of our viticulture.

RATING HISTORY:

2018 92IWR, 90WE 'Best Buy'; 2013 90IWC; 2011 90IWC

GRAPE:

100% Tempranillo.

VINIFICATION AND AGING:

The wine is made using 15% whole cluster maceration. The other 85% of the bunches are de-stemmed and crushed. The must is macerated for 7 days at cool temperatures. It is then fermented in open-top stainless steel tanks for 15 days at 29 ºC to extract more flavor and tannin, followed by a post-fermentation and extended maceration for 7 days. The goal with these vinification methods is to make a wine of longevity. The wine is aged for 16 months in oak barrels, 90% French and 10% American.

LOCATION, SOIL, CLIMATE:

The vineyards are located within Spain's most prestigious wine region, La Rioja. Its climate, which has both Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, and its variety of soil make this D.O. unique and special. The average temperature from April to October is 61°F and the average annual rainfall is 18.3 inches. The vines are tended in limestone, chalk, clay and river stone soil at 568 m (1,865) elevation through sustainable viticulture.

TASTING NOTES:

Aromas of dried red berries, cherry pit, pipe tobacco and vanilla; a hint of white pepper adds vivacity. Coats the palate with smoke-accented cherry, vanilla and cassis flavors and shows very good energy and a seamless texture. The smoke and cassis notes carry through a sweet, subtly tannic finish that echoes the tobacco note.

ALCOHOL CONTENT:

13.5%

UPC CODE:

8437013189903