Bodegas Sommos Glarima Joven Tinto 2015
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Winemaker Notes
Located near the village of Murero along a remote stretch of the Jiloca River, Sommos Garnacha produces fresh tasting Garnacha from 250 acres of estate vineyards between 40 and 100 years old, including many hillside slate-laden parcels over 3,000 feet in elevation, the highest of D.O. Calatayud.
Located in Zaragoza’s remote Jiloca River Valley in the extreme southeast of D.O. Calatayud, the local vineyards had suffered abandonment during the 20th century for their difficult access and steep slopes mandating manual labor. Beginning in 2001, efforts were intensified to recuperate those vineyards that could still be saved. Dispersed among the slopes, the vineyard parcels today average approximately two acres in size. The steepest hillsides are composed of exposed gray and red slate and quartzite, the gentler slopes incorporating varying amounts red clay. Extreme elevations range from 2,700 to 3,800 feet. It is believed that these isolated parcels represent what remains of the original, or heirloom version, of the Garnacha variety.
Continental climate and altitude offer day/night temperature variation during season of 25º F. and more, lengthening the ripening season and preserving fruit intensity. Rains are scarce but timely and penetrate the soils quickly to provide adequate moisture for the deeply-rooted vines. The old vines produce an average of one kilogram (2.2 pounds) each, and are collected in 20kg crates, filled only to 15kgs to avoid crushing during transport to the bodega. The crates are emptied directly onto a new Selectiv’ Process Vision sorting table that optically separates the grapes by color and shape to retain only the finest and most intact fruit. The destemmed grapes are cold macerated and fermented by parcel in moderately sized tanks of 4,000 to 6,000 liters. The essence of Garnacha is the Sommos Garnacha objective, with extreme altitude and mineral soils contributing to the intensity and freshness obtained.
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines.
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.
Literally meaning ‘under the mountain,’ Somontano is a diverse region located in the foothills of the south central Pyrenees. Heavy winter rains supply the region with water even throughout the summer.