Cerrogallina - Utiel-Requena 'Cerrogallina' 2016

Cerrogallina - Utiel-Requena 'Cerrogallina' 2016 (89 TSW)

100% Bobal from Valancia region where it is the most planted variety. A strong grower, which is very resistant to very short pruning of the plant. Where normally a lot of leaves are retained to protect the grapes somewhat from the bright sun, this is not necessary with this grape. This grape does not bother very long periods of extreme temperatures.

Cerrogallina is a wine project set up with a determination to produce quality wines and a unique personality. It was around 2001 that pharmacist in Vila Real, Santiago Vernia, decided to take his love of wine more seriously. He registered a master's degree in oenology to follow in Requena.

In Requena he met the renowned professor and oenologist José Luis Hidalgo; Writer of many books on viticulture. Together they found an abandoned old Bobal vineyard at the foot of the hill near the village of Campo Arcis in 2003; the Cerrogallina. It took a few years to get the vineyard back in order and ready for production.

The first year - 2008 immediately became a good reference for quality bobal. The six-hectare vineyard is 60 to 90 years old and is planted "en vaso" or gobelet. The yield is quite low; only 1,500 grams per vine. The winemaker is of course José Hidalgo, who gives this beautiful fruit an eighteen-month maturation on new French oak with a very fine grain.

About the wine:

100% Bobal from 90 years old vines.
First of all I would decant the wine before pouring.

In the glass a medium purple color with many legs.
On the medium nose aromas of fresh blackberries, ripe plums and black currant with hints of dark spices, liquorice, espresso and some citrus liquor.
On the palate dry, medium+ bodied with medium+ acidity and medium ripe tannins. Round mouthfeel with cassis, blackberries, cherries and tart liquorice blended with toasted oak and tobacco. The finish is long with warm dark fruit, sweet spices and tobacco.