Overview: The Ramirez de la Piscina family of San Vicente have been farming grapes in this historic village since the 13th century. Their family name is shared with the hermitage of Santa María de la Piscina, a 12th century Romanesque hermitage, a historic landmark site that is engraved with the Ramirez family crest, speaking to the family's long history in Rioja. Today, they produce small quantities of extremely classical Rioja wines from estate and long-term contracted vineyards in San Vicente and Abalos, two of the most important villages in the Sonsierra Riojana, a geographic "triangle" of quality between San Vicente, Abalos, and Labastida.
Located in San Vicente de la Sonsierra of the Rioja DOCa, the Tempranillo comes 60 / 40 from propriety, contracted vineyards located in Ábalos and San Vicente de la Sonsierra. The vines were planted between 1932 and 1985 upon calcareous clay composition. Once harvested the bunches are carefully sorted, destemmed, and transferred to stainless steel tanks for maceration. The temperature-controlled fermentation begins spontaneously. When the fermentation is finished, the wine is run off by gravity. Malolactic fermentation occurs in concrete. The wine is then aged for 18 months in American and French oak barrels in underground cellars followed by 5 months in stainless steel for natural fining and settling. Once bottled, it is bottle aged underground for at least 18 months.
Tasting Notes: Compact berry aromas are spicy and a touch fiery, but nothing that time in the glass can't tame. A racy palate with fresh acidity and overall purity tastes of plum, currant, baking spices and vanilla, while this is smooth and classy on a harmonious finish.
Pairing: Manchego
Points: 92, James Suckling
Format / ABV: 750 ml / 14.50%
In certain circumstances, a specific vintage may not be available. If this is the case, a comparable vintage of the same wine will be substituted for online orders. If shopping in store, please check the bottle for the appropriate vintage. If you have a question about a specific vintage that is in stock, please email wine@kegnbottle.com
