Mataro- this is a grape type also known as Monastrell in Spain. It is a red grape variety with very dark skin and while common in the Mediterranean, it is also grown in Australia and California, where it is known as Mataro. Mataro thrives in climates that are warm and dry. Mataro grapes are ideal for producing wines high in tannin with concentrated color. The French call Mataro “Etrangle-Chien”, or dog strangler due to the intensely dry mouthfeel that accompanies this grape variety. Mataro is weighty on the palate with herb plant aromas. Combined with the high tannin, Mataro is often chosen as a component in blends. Wine made from 100 percent Mataro are not common, however there are some single variety selections available. Mataro grown in France is often used in blends with Cotes du Rhone and Chateauneuf du Pape. The Bandol region is considered a sanctuary for Mataro. Because Mataro is highly susceptible to phylloxera, and was almost annihilated in the 1880s due to the outbreak, the sandy soils of Bandol offered refuge and the grapes are still there today. Rose wine grown in Bandol is most sought after because of the tannic properties of Mataro. Mataro ripens latest during harvest and is therefore last to be picked. Bandol has had success in planting the grapes on hills facing South to absorb more warmth in order to ripen more quickly.
Thorn Clarke Single Vineyard Mataro is made from 100 percent Mataro.
The Single Vineyard Selection range focuses on single site, small batch wines, highlighting the true characteristics of each individual variety. Each block is hand selected by our winemaker and viticulturist each year, choosing the wines that best reflect the strengths of each individual vintage.
Striking with its inky red color and purple hues, a hallmark of a classic vintage. On the nose, briary black fruits are in abundance. Notes of Chinese five spice and currants also shine through. On the palate, blackberries and winter spice are evident. The generous and silky tannins in this wine support a long and complex finish.
The grapes were destemmed and fermented in 4 tonne open fermenters for a period of 10 days. The wine was pressed off into 10 year old oak where it was matured for a duration of 18 months before being racked in preparation for bottling. This wine has no filtration.
Aalto P.S. Pagos Seleccionados Tinto is made from 100 percent Tempranillo.
Climatic conditions
The farming year began with a mild autumn and little precipitation. A very dry winter started with -9ºC reaching at the end higher temperatures than normal for that time of the year. Spring and summer characterized by little rain, only some rain showers in July and late August avoided the hydric stress of the vines. The vegetative cycle of the vine developed with big variations of temperatures, alternating warm and atypical low temperatures of 4ºC for mid-June. The ripening of the grapes happened under very good conditions and the harvest started on 24th September 2019.
100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) primarily from very old vines – 60 to 90 years old – from selected plots in La Horra and La Aguilera. The harvest was done by hand, in small boxes of 15 kilos that are thoroughly inspected, bunch by bunch, on the selection table.
Tasting notes
Review:
Color: dark cherry, Aroma: toasty, spicy, fine cocoa, black fruit, Mouth: tasty, toasty, fine bitterness, ripe tannins
Guia Penin 94 Points
Jean-Claude et Nicolas Fayolle Hermitage Rouge Donnieres is made from 100% Syrah.
Made from 40-year-old vines planted on granitic and rocky soils in the Lieu dit "Les Donnieres" at the bottom of the Hermitage's hill.
Intense inky ruby red color.
The wine has plenty to offer with red and black fruit aromas, as well as a good minerality.
The finish is very long, clean and juicy and offers a great spicy mouthfeel.
Soil is clay, silica and round pebbles.
Hand harvested in small crates. The grapes are then pumped into tanks (full cluster, not destemmed).
It will stay in this tank for 15 days for the skin contact maceration and the Alcoholic fermentation.
Tey will also use the "rack and return" technique (delestage).
Then the wine is transfered into neutral French Oak barrels where the wine will complete the Malo-Lactic fermentation.
Delicious with grilled red meat such as venison or lamb and most cheeses.