Variety: 100% old vine Garnacha, from our own vineyards.
Planting System: Planted “en vaso” with 2.5 metre spacing.
Areas of production: From the Denominación “Calatayud”, specifically the villages of Acered, Alarba and Castejón de Alarba, from vines of between 70 and 100 years old, and from mountainside slate vineyards, between 800 and 1,050 metres altitude. These slate vineyards give the wine a pronounced minerality and structure. Yields were limited to a maximum of 2,500 kilos per hectare (1 ton per acre).
Vinification: The grapes were harvested by hand, as soon as they reached optimum maturity in each parcel. They were collected, and transported to the winery in small cases, before being selected by hand on a selection table. Individual parcels were cold-soaked for 4 days, prior to fermentation, which was started using wild yeasts, before inoculation with cultured yeasts. Fermentation temperatures were between 25º and 28ºC, to preserve the character of the fruit. Malolactic fermentation was allowed to proceed naturally, and was completed in April 2006.
Tasting Notes: Colour is deep red, with a bright rim. The nose suggests wild herbs (thyme and rosemary), floral notes (particularly violets and lavender), wood smoke and spices. The pallet is rich, moderately tannic, and has a pronounced minerality.
Presentation: Borgogne. ”Authentique” heavyweight bottle, packed in cases of 6 or 12.
Gastronomy: Ideal accompaniment for roast meats, game and strong cheeses-
Service: Serve at a temperature between 16 º and 18 ºC.
Awards:
Las Pizarras 2005: Wine Advocate 91 points (Mr. Robert Parker)
Las Pizarras 2006: Wine Advocate 89+ points (Robert Parker)
Las Pizarras 2006: International Wine Cellar 90+ points
Las Pizarras 2007: International Wine Cellar 91 points
Analytical Data:
Alcohol – 14% ABV
Free Sulphur – 39 mg per litre
Volatile Acidity – 0.43 grams per litre
Total Sulphur – 75 mg per litre
Total Acidity – 6.05 grams per litre (Tartaric)