2019 Viñedos del Jorco Las Cabañuelas Cebreros Garnacha

Region: Castilla y León < Spain

Grapes: Garnacha (Grenache)

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Biodynamic farming; hand-picked; old vines from various high-elevation vineyards in Cebreros; bush-pruned vines planted on granite and slate soils; whole cluster, indigenous yeast fermentation in concrete vats; aged for 6 months in one large wooden foudre; 13% ABV

Winemakers: Raúl Pérez, César Ruiz, Flequi Berruti, Nacho Jiménez

In 2009, renown winemaker Raúl Pérez partnered with César Ruiz, Flequi Berruti, and Nacho Jiménez to acquire high-altitude, old-vine Garnacha vineyards throughout the Cebreros region of Spain. Just west of Madrid, the Sierra de Gredos mountain range (a.k.a. the Garnacha Belt) is one of the most unique and exciting viticultural areas of Spain, as the Garnacha grape has the ability to evolve into a Pinot Noir-like wine.

Raul has a distinct track record of minimal intervention in the vineyards and in the cellar—something he is widely celebrated for. “I’ve always watched the birds carefully: they know which grapes are tastier.” He and his partners ensure that the wine-growing process is biodynamic and ever-evolving with nature’s needs, allowing the grape to do its own self-expressing.

This Las Cabañuelas is made from purchased Garnacha of various Cebreros vineyards, characterized by granite and slate mountain soils. It is bright and balanced, with juicy black fruit, plush tannins, good acidity, and a super minerally, almost tarry, finish from those rocky soils.  It's a total crowd pleaser that goes with everything and everyone, and punches way above its class in terms of value for the cash money.  Stock up for everyday winter drinking.