Mano a Mano Vino de Tierra 2012
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The sandy soils (up to 1 meter in depth) have an underlayment of large river stones, with a lot of iron, clay, and chalk. The vines produce very low yields of 1-2 kgs of grapes per vine. Winters are very cold; summers are hot with cool nights and it is a very arid climate.
The Spanish enologist, Rafael Cañizares seeks to achieve the maximum expression of the Tempranillo grape grown in this environment. After very careful vineyard selections, only the best vines of Tempranillo grapes are hand harvested.
Notoriously food-friendly, long-lasting and Spain’s most widely planted grape, Tempranillo is the star variety of red wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. The Rioja terms Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva indicate both barrel and bottle time before release. Traditionally blended in Rioja with Garnacha, plus a bit of Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano, the Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero typically stands alone. Somm Secret—Tempranillo claims many different names depending on location. In Penedès, it is called Ull de Llebre and in Valdepeñas, goes by Cencibel. Known as Tinta Roriz in Portugal, Tempranillo plays an important role in Port wine.
The Moors gave it the name, ‘Manxa,’ which fittingly means ‘parched earth.’ La Mancha, the largest Spanish wine producing region in all of Spain, is one of its hottest and driest. Sturdy and drought-resistant white varieietes like Airen, Viura and Verdejo thrive in this environment.