Pirineos Seleccion Cabernet Sauvignon Crianza 2012
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The registered vineyard area of the Somontano is small- only 4,200 acres. The soils are well-drained chalk and sand. Glacial runoff provides moisture during summer drought while the Pyrenees provide north winds. Viticultural reorganization is currently in full swing, as plantings are mixed and of advanced age. Increasing investment, both from the government of Aragon and elsewhere, is backing experiments with French grape varieties and increasing plantations of the Tempranillo in an effort to join the elite of Europe's quality wine regions.
Varietal experimentation, however, only serves to cloud Somontano's most alluring story - the existence of and indigenous, high quality red grape called Moristel. It is a natural product of its mountain climate, being loose-bunched, delicate of skin, bright of flavor and low in oxidative enzymes. Although capable of aging, the young wine from this grape is simply delicious, with a velvety and tender texture, vibrant loganberry aroma and most importantly, individuality.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
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.