Description

Sierra Cantabria Unica Rioja Reserva 2019

92 pts – Wine Spectator

The Eguren family are the pioneers in the production of parcel specific single cru wines from Rioja in the Burgundy model. Sierra Cantabria Reserva Única is the family’s introduction to their single vineyard range, which is sourced from a spectacular vineyard on the banks of the Ebro River in Labastida. The entire vineyard is vinified as a Reserva, and throughout the aging process, Marcos Eguren carries out a severe barrel selection. The wine is produced every vintage, but in varying quantities (1,500-4,000 cases) depending on the quality of the year. Unica represents a premier cru style Rioja single vineyard with fantastic structure, a seamless texture, and a pure red fruit character.

VARIETY

Tempranillo (97 %) and Graciano (3 %) from vines older than 30 years.

VINEYARDS

Sierra Cantabria Reserva Única is produced from a single contiguous vineyard in Labastida, called La Llana. The vineyard is planted on high density trellises on the northern banks of the Ebro River.

VITICULTURE

Practicing organic dry farmed viticulture with certain selective biodynamic practices. La Llana is trained to high density trellises. Manual work and harvest, with no mechanization whatsoever.

WINEMAKING

The grapes undergo rigorous double-manual sorting, both before and after destemming. 100% of the clusters are destemmed, but not crushed. Temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel (inoculated) with indigenous yeast that have been selected from their vineyard and cellar. Maceration lasts 20-30 days. Malolactic fermentation in barrel.

TASTING NOTES

Bright ruby. Expressive aromas of redcurrant, cherry, licorice. Juicy in the mouth, with red fruit flavours mixed with toasty vanilla and underlying mineral notes. Penetrating acidity extends the long, spicy, floral-dominated finish.

DRINKING TEMPERATURES: 16-18 °C