El Pacto Valdechuecas Vinedo Singular 2019

Type: Red
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Grape Variety: Mainly Garnacha with some Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo and Malvasia
Alcohol Percentage: 15%
Viticulture: Certified Organic | Vegan Friendly

Climate: Mild temperatures all year, rainfall in the winter, and a favourable temperature difference between day and night
Terroir: Valdechuecas is the liquid testimony of a family’s love for their vineyards, the Acha family. Located in their village, Cárdenas, in the Alto Najerilla region, several generations have tended and maintained these plots since they were planted between 1912 and 1918. Just under one hectare is planted with Garnacha, Tempranillo, Malvasia, Viura, Graciano and Mazuelo grapes, as well as olive, fig and quince trees. There are numerous species to create a diversified micro-world where nature is allowed to run its course with minimal intervention.
Ageing: Fermentation takes place in a 5,000-liter concrete tank, enough for the entire production of the vineyard. Vatting takes place by gravity: 15% of the whole bunches with stems are placed in the bottom, and later the tank is filled with destemmed grapes but without crushing, preserving the integrity of the grape. Fermentation is spontaneous with the vineyard’s own yeasts and maceration with the skins during this process lasts a total of 15 days. One year in a second-use 2,400-liter French oak foudre.

Color: An intense red color, characteristic of the Garnacha variety in cold areas, Great depth of color, the result of the natural concentration typical of old vines. Clean, bright and with a very slightly evolved rim from ageing.
Nose: Very complex and deep, the result of partial elaboration with whole bunches in concrete tanks, which provides certain vegetable tones (grape stalk) and red and black fruit compote. Spices and minerality stand out, with wood always very well integrated, after having remained in the foudre for 12 months. This type of ageing increases the complexity on the nose, generating notes with a certain reduced character, which evolve in the glass to fresh fruit and balsamic tones.
Palate: In the mouth it shows great verticality, due to the strong tension of its acidity, the hallmark of its area of origin: the Alto Najerilla. A wine of great depth, with a tannic backbone of outstanding refinement and persistence, although with the markedly amiable character of the Garnacha variety. Undoubtedly, a wine with great ageing potential, with many aspects to be discovered over time.