IGP. Castilla y León, Spain - 95 PARKER. 65% Bastardo, 30% Mencía, Cariñena, Rufete, 5% Doña Blanca from one of the most unique plots, crafted by Álvar de Dios Hernández in the Arribes del Duero region, a border area between Spain and Portugal characterized by very old vineyards, slate soils, and a rugged landscape along the Duero River.
The wine originates from a tiny plot of just 0.2 hectares located in Villadepera (Zamora), planted over 80 years ago at an altitude of approximately 750 meters. The vineyard is situated on slate with a high iron content, a type of soil that imparts mineral tension and depth to the wine. The plot is planted with a traditional blend of historic red varieties from the area, including Rufete, Merenzao, Mencía, Trincadeira, and Cariñena, reflecting the old planting model where several grape varieties coexist in the same vineyard.
Álvar de Dios's project philosophy is based on recovering old vineyards and traditional viticultural methods, working with organic practices and minimal intervention to express the character of the place.
As for the winemaking process, the grapes are hand-harvested and partially destemmed. Fermentation takes place with native yeasts for approximately 35-40 days, aiming for a gentle extraction that preserves the vineyard's finesse. The wine then spends 12 months aging in French oak barrels, generally used, with the goal of integrating the structure without overpowering the terroir's expression. After aging, the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered, following a minimal intervention approach.
Production is extremely limited, around 1,000 bottles in this vintage, making it a very rare wine within the Arribes region.
The sensory profile displays red and black fruit, floral and spicy notes, and a pronounced mineral background, with a deep yet elegant and fresh palate, very representative of the old vines of the area. Recommended by The Sommelier.
