Jose Pastor Spanish Wine Tasting August 12 – 13 2022; 5-7PM
Cantalapiedra Viticultores Lirondo Verdejo 2021 – ORGANIC “Natural Wine”
The Winery – Although there are records of the Cantalapiedras’ grape-growing dating to the 19th century, the birth of the current estate can be traced directly to the year 1949, when patriarch Heliodoro planted his first vineyard plot, or majuelo, at the tender age of 15.
Since 2014, Manuel (Heliodoro’s grandson) has been the driving force.
The Wine – Lirondo’s fruit comes from Organic, bush trained vines that are 30 years old. The grapes were hand harvested, destemmed, and gently pressed. The juice saw 6 hours of skin contact and aged on its lees for 6 months before bottling. Unfined and unfiltered, 2021 was a cooler vintage for Lirondo resulting in a fresher wine with higher acidity and lower alcohol.
Kevin’s Notes – There is NO SULPHER Added to this wine. While naturally cloudy, the color is gorgeous yellow green. The wine leaps from the glass with notes of brioche, unripe pear, and apple aroma and flavor. Great high tone wine for olive oil and lemon dressings. Limited availability. Cooper’s Price $22.99 – Mixed 3btls $20.69
4 Monos Vinos de Madrid GR-10 Blanco 2020 – ORGANIC
Origin – The name, “4 Monkeys” refers to four friends and lovers of wine native to the region of Madrid. This “gang of four” assembled in an extraordinary manner, while hiking in the Gredos mountains. The 4 Monos, with various backgrounds, have a unified mentality: organic wine practice, minimalism in the cellar, a focus on the land and variances in terroir. The GR-10 is named after one of the most famous walking trails of the Iberian Peninsula, linking Lisbon to Valencia.
The Wine – This is a village level wine with the vineyards sourced from both Cadalso de los Vidrios and San Martín de Valdeiglesias. The wine ages in steel and used barrels. The grapes used are Albillo, Macabeo, Chelva, and Moscatel making for a very fresh mountain styled wine with intense aromatics.
Kevin Notes – While ORGANIC this is a much different wine. The wine carries more floral and richer fruit character with modest with focused acidity. Tremendous complexity. Limited Supply Cooper’s Price $25.99 – Mixed 3btls $23.29
Stratum Matas Altas Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain – ORGANIC soon to be BIODYNAMIC
The Winery – This project is from Bodega Cerrón in Jumilla, helmed by the fourth generation of the Cerdán family. The family biodynamically farms about 30 hectares of high-altitude ungrafted vines, mostly Monastrell, on calcareous soils. Their farming was certified organic in 1989, and they count on receiving Biodynamic certification through Demeter in the coming months of 2022.
The Wine – 95% Monastrell, with small amounts of Moravia Agria, Blanquilla, Forcallat, Bobal and Rojal from the La Muela vineyard of 70-year-old own-rooted vines at 900m above sea level.
After 60 days, the grapes were pressed and transferred to a large neutral French oak barrel to complete malolactic fermentation and rest without racking for 13 months. Bottled without fining or filtering.
Kevin’s Notes – One of the BEST Monastrell (Mourvdre) I have ever tasted. Cooper’s Price $20.99 – Mixed 3btls $18.89
Luis Rodriguez Vazquez A Torna Dos Pasas Ribeiro, Spain 2018
The Winery – Luis Rodriguez has been quietly crafting remarkable Ribeiro wines since 1988. From the beginning, Luis’s aim has been to showcase the enormous potential for the once nearly extinct native grapes to produce distinctive and age-worthy wines.
As a passionate son of Ribeiro, Luis Rodriguez is one of the most knowledgeable winegrowers that we have come in touch with in Galicia. He studied enology and philosophy in Madrid, took the time to visit many of Europe’s great wine regions, and even served as the president of the Ribeiro D.O. for many years.
The Wine – A Torna Dos Pasás is 40% Brancellao, and roughly equal parts Caiño Redondo, Caiño Longo, and Ferrol, vine age 10-20 years old, grown on steep south-facing granite hillsides located in the town of Arnoia, Galicia. A Torna dos Pasas was fermented with native yeasts in steel vat, and raised in used 300 liter French oak barrels for 12 months.
Kevin’s Notes – Fantastic nose of rose pedals and plum. Medium weight, velvet texture with expressive acidity and flavors of Black Raspberries and violets. LOVE THIS WINE – ONLY 22 bottles, we may get more.
Cooper’s Price $38.99 Mixed 3btls $35.09
