Mesta Tempranillo 2019
The Mesta tempranillo is a vibrant and juicy, unoaked Tempranillo showing great purity and typicity with notes of red plum and raspberry combined with vanilla, soft and appealing.
Producer Note - Mesta is a range of organically and sustainably grown single varietal wines, which stylishly showcase the Spanish wine revolution under the symbol of the Mesta. Mesta was a powerful alliance of sheep ranchers in medieval Castile, who controlled the cañadas: the traditional rights of way for migrating sheep. To this day the cañadas are protected from being blocked or built upon, a reminder of ancient rights and a model of coexistence with nature. This modern range, from the fashionable DO Uclés in central Castile, offers wines of great purity and varietal typicity.
Vintage - 2017 was a year of very low rainfall. Some sporadic showers took place in the early autumn, but no rain fell during the spring or summer growing season. Spring frosts did not occur. The high temperatures and absence of rain resulted in the earliest harvest in these vineyards producing grapes of an excellent concentration, albeit with significantly reduced yields. It was the smallest harvest so far.
Vineyard - The grapes are grown in high-altitude vineyards in the northernmost part of Central Castile, where the continental climate enjoys sunny days and cool nights. This diurnal temperature difference encourages grapes with intense fruit and excellent varietal definition, which retaining remarkable freshness. The vineyards are sustainably managed and organically farmed as part of an integrated ecosystem. Low annual rainfall results in low disease pressure, enabling the vines to be grown without the aid of fungicides. Fertilisers have never been used, only organic manure is applied and weed control is managed by a low, superficial tilling. Rain water is collected in a small reservoir and is used for drip irrigation in the case of extreme drought.
Winemaking - The grapes were picked in the early morning and immediately transported to the state-of-the-art winery. The berries were destalked, lightly crushed and fermented under temperature controlled conditions in stainless steel tanks. A post fermentation maceration lasted for eight to 10 days in order to achieve a perfectly balanced style without excessive extraction.
Tasting Note - A vibrant and juicy, unoaked Tempranillo showing great purity and typicity from high altitude vines. Expressive and well-defined aromas of red berries, rosemary, and a touch of liquorice are echoed on the palate. Fresh, with a rounded texture and excellent persistence on the palate, through to a satisfyingly dry finish.
Serving Suggestion - Excellent with tapas, grilled meat, spicy chorizo and pasta.
Grape Tempranillo 99%, Syrah 1%
Winemaker: Tomás Buendía & Sam Harrop
Region: Central Castile Sub region: Uclés Country: Spain
Alcohol: 14%
BodyValue: B (A is light, E is full bodied)
Residual Sugar: 4.3
Contains Sulphites: Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan: No/No
Milk/Eggs: No/No
Organic/Biodynamic Yes/No