Matsu - El Viejo 2011
Pairing Suggestions
Matsu - El Viejo 2011 (91 TSW)
Today we are visiting the Toro wineregion.
Toro is a wine region in Castilla y Leon and becoming increasingly well known for its powerful, full bodied red wines made from Tinta da Toro (Tempranillo).
It is named for the town of Toro, an ancient settlement just 65 kilometers (40 miles) east of the Portuguese border and it's located on the Duero River.
Back to the wine:
Matsu is Vintae's unique sustainable organic wine project in the Spanish wine region of Toro. Raúl Acha, the winemaker of Vintae, has been looking for old vineyards for organic viticulture, in his search he even found a vineyard with vines of almost 100 years old. This quest and the process of making the wines is reflected in the name of this wine project. Matsu means; "patient balance" in Japanese.
Matsu is inspired by the Japanese tradition of caring for nature in purity and simplicity. It pays homage to the Spanish wine tradition. All wines are made from grapes that grow in a completely natural environment, according to the most advanced biodynamic techniques. The Matsu trilogy of wines depicts the three generations of winemakers.
Matsu El Viejo is made from Tinto de Toro (Tempranillo) in the Toro wine region, sourced from vines over 100 years old. The harvest is completely by hand when the grapes are fully ripe. The grapes are gently pressed in a pneumatic press, after which a natural fermentation takes place in small concrete tanks. The wine is aged for 16 months in new French oak barrels, after which the wine is bottled without filtration to preserve its natural properties.
My tasting notes:
In the glass a deep ruby red color.
On the medium+ nose aroms of dark plums, prunes, black ripe cherries and blackcurrant with hints of cinnamon, black pepper, tobacco, chocolate and cedar.
On the palate dry, full-bodied with medium acidity and smooth tannins. Flavours of chocolate, dark fruits, spices and vanilla in a smooth round mouthfeel and a nice long smokey final.
To pair with rich meat dishes, lamb, game, stews and rich cheeses.