Bodega Virgen de la Sierra
Seleccion Especial Calatayud Cruz de Piedra Garnacha
Calatayud, Aragón, Spain
Cruz de Piedra means “Cross of Stone” in Spanish, and the name refers to the stone crosses that mark the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela, which runs through the collective’s vineyards. Selección Especial is made of 100% Garnacha grapes from bush vines that are up to 100 years old.
The grapes are fermented in concrete tanks, then transferred to new oak barrels, where malolactic fermentation occurs. The wine is in oak for a total of about 17 months. Alcohol hits 14.5%, and the retail price is $10.
It is a dark colored wine, inky indigo with no light able to break through from the other side of the glass. The is a bit of alcohol on the nose, which makes me wonder if it might not be a higher content than indicated. Aromas of blackberry, plum, vanilla and a puff of smoke make for an olfactory delight. On the palate, big dark fruit dominates even with plenty of oak spice trying to take over. The mouthfeel is full and the tannins are quite toothy. It’s not a gentle wine. - to the extent that sipping it may offer some discomfort to tender mouths. Better to have it with meat - meat that has fat literally dripping from it. The fat will give the tannins something to do besides prick your taste buds. A heavily marbled ribeye or smoked ribs come to mind.
Cruz de Piedra means “Cross of Stone” in Spanish, and the name refers to the stone crosses that mark the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela, which runs through the collective’s vineyards. Selección Especial is made of 100% Garnacha grapes from bush vines that are up to 100 years old.
The grapes are fermented in concrete tanks, then transferred to new oak barrels, where malolactic fermentation occurs. The wine is in oak for a total of about 17 months. Alcohol hits 14.5%, and the retail price is $10.
It is a dark colored wine, inky indigo with no light able to break through from the other side of the glass. The is a bit of alcohol on the nose, which makes me wonder if it might not be a higher content than indicated. Aromas of blackberry, plum, vanilla and a puff of smoke make for an olfactory delight. On the palate, big dark fruit dominates even with plenty of oak spice trying to take over. The mouthfeel is full and the tannins are quite toothy. It’s not a gentle wine. - to the extent that sipping it may offer some discomfort to tender mouths. Better to have it with meat - meat that has fat literally dripping from it. The fat will give the tannins something to do besides prick your taste buds. A heavily marbled ribeye or smoked ribs come to mind.
Rich and polished. Intense with supple core of blackberry, spice, but not to heavy. Good with meat or manchego cheese.
Rich and polished. Intense with supple core of blackberry, spice, but not to heavy. Good with meat or manchego cheese.
Dec 28th, 2016
What a little gem.. One of the best value wines we ever had. The perfect barbecue wine.. It's full of flavour but nice and light on the tongue... Go easy though it's a 14,5%.... Enjoy
What a little gem.. One of the best value wines we ever had. The perfect barbecue wine.. It's full of flavour but nice and light on the tongue... Go easy though it's a 14,5%.... Enjoy
Apr 19th, 2015
