Xose Lois Sebio Superheroe Ribeiro 2017
The Superheroe from Xosé Lois Sebio is a fragrant and sturdy blend highlighting notes of violet, black fruits, figs and plums, combined with mineral overtones through to a long, intense and robust finish.
Producer Note - Winemaker Xosé Lois Sebio has produced this stunning eponymous collection of wines as a result of a personal quest: to find wines with unique personality from more risky processing zones and with a very marked identity. This original and quirky range is made from high quality grapes in areas which are often neglected or simply different; vineyards that are difficult to farm due to the high costs of conventional viticulture. Away from fashions and conventions, the sole intention is to respect and express the soil, variety and area; producing wines with soul and personality. The wines are vinified with minimal intervention and low sulphur. These are collectable wines for lovers of the authentic and different.
Vintage - 2016 saw a cold winter, followed by spring rains which replenished the soil's water reserves; but also increased the risk of disease in the vineyard. Summer was dry and hot, with cool nights which led to healthy conditions in the vineyard and a long ripening period, resulting in balancing acidity and good phenolic maturity. The wines of 2016 are gourmet wines with a future.
Vineyard - This wine is from the DO Ribeiro, which means 'River Bank' in Galician, as it is located along the Miño river and its tributaries, in Galicia, North West Spain. A blend of indigenous varieties, the vines range from 40 to 70 years old. These vines are low yielding and produce small, concentrated, flavoursome berries. Planted at an altitude of 150 to 350 metres above sea-level, the vines are free-standing and trained with a stake in the traditional manner, at a density of 1.25 x 1.25 metres. The soils are clay with schist, the latter imparting mineral tones to the wine. The grapes are manually harvested.
Winemaking - Vinification took place in open tanks of 1,500 litres. A pre fermentation cold soak lasted one week, prior to fermentation at low temperatures. The wine was gently pressed in a manual screw press. Only the lots with the sweetest, ripest tannins and fruit forward flavours were extracted. The wine started malolactic fermentation in tank, which was completed in barrel. The blend was aged for 14 months in 500 litre barrels of third fill.
Tasting Note - A layered fragrant blend highlighting notes of violet, black fruits, figs and plums, combined with subtle hints of black pepper and mineral tones. Elegant and expansive on the palate, offering fine tannins with a balancing freshness. The rich yet vibrant finish is wonderfully intense and long.
Serving Suggestion - Grilled lamb with herb-roasted root vegetables.
Grape Other Varieties 35%, Ferrol 20%, Sousón 20%, Caiño Longo 15%, Bastardo 10%
Awards 92 Pts, Robert Parker , 2016 91 Pts, James Suckling , 2016
Winemaker: Xosé Louis Sebio
Region: Galicia Sub region: Ribeiro Country: Spain
Alcohol: 14%
BodyValue: D (A is light, E is full bodied)
Residual Sugar: 1.6
Contains Sulphites: Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan: Yes/No
Milk/Eggs: No/Yes
Organic/Biodynamic No/No