
Located in Ciudad Real, which is a province in Castile-La Mancha, Valdepenas is a wine region that is surrounded by La Mancha, which is an independent region with a very long history as far as wine making is concerned. Known for mixing red and white grapes, the most well-loved vineyards are located in Los Llanos in the western part of the region, and Las Aberturas which is located in the north or Valdepenas. There are 29,600 hectares of vines in the region.
The continental climate in the region is quite extreme with cold winters and very hot summers. Classified as semi-arid the temperatures can reach up to 104° in the summer and are considered semi-arid. During the winter it is not unusual for the mercury to drop to 14°. Drought is not unusual during the warmer months, while frosts can occur during the late spring and early fall.
The region is located on top of a plateau, and surrounded by lush hills. The soil in Valdepenas has a high lime content, and is on top of a subsoil of calcium carbonate meaning good moisture retaining properties. The soil is poor in organic matter, and very pebbly. It is shallow and dark red in color with a high lime content, which often forms hard crusty layers that have to be broken up to help the roots penetrate.
No products found
On the palate, it reveals a fresh attack followed by an ample, structured, long-lasting finish. The wine unfurls in successive stages and ends with top-quality tannins produced by whole cluster fermentation. It features aromas and flavors of smoked ham, violet, graphite, graphite, and licorice.
Review:
A refined, fine-textured and precise Cote-Rotie with aromas of cherries, wild berries, wild herbs, bark and baking spices. Medium-bodied with finely grained tannins. There is a vibrant and spicy character at the center, with a succulent, precise and lively expression toward the long finish. Try after 2026.
-James Suckling 95 Points
Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100 percent Sangiovese.
Color: brilliant red with burgundy reflects; Bouquet: penetrating with memories of wild black fruits, black cherry and noble wood; Taste: warm, dry and persistent
Coming from a parcel with 10-15 year old vines planted in sandy clay and marl soils.
Harvest is 100% destemmed with a soft pressing, fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature of 28-30°C, pumping over for the first week of maceration followed by skin-contact maceration for 20-25 days with rack and return technique (delestage).
Malolactic fermentation completed.
Wine is slightly filtered before bottling.
Review:
This is a really balanced and pretty young Brunello with dark-cherry and citrus character on both the nose and palate. It’s medium-bodied with integrated tannins and a beautiful, succulent finish. Nicely done. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years.
-James Suckling 95 Points