Item Number: 7043 UPC: None

Country: Spain
Region: Castilla y Leon Sub Region: Castilla y Leon
Appellation/AVA: Tierra de León DO
Vintage: 2010
Grape(s): 100% Prieto Picudo
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 3
Closure: Cork
Case Production: 125
Alc by Vol(%): 13.5
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Soil Type: Brown, rocky, alluvial deposits and limestone
Elevation: 2,605 feet
Location Notes: The vineyards are in Zone #2, within the town of Pajares de Los Oteros (population: 405) located just south of the historic city of Leon at 794 meters (2,605 ft.) elevation. The soil is composed of brown, rocky, alluvial deposits and limestone. The area of Leon has an average temperature from April-October of 58.7°F and the annual rainfall of 21.9 inches. The wide contrast of day/night temperatures limits which grape varieties can grow here. The windy conditions in this area of Spain are key factor that mitigates undesirable humidity. Grapes from this area have thick skins, are very aromatic and are driven by bright acidity. 

Winemaking Notes: After de-stemming the bunches, the grapes macerate and are fermented in large, 3,000-liter open-topped wood vats (foudres). Skin contact takes place for 40 days with a little punching down (pigeage), as needed. With Prieto Picudo, Raúl does not utilize whole-cluster fermentation because, unlike Mencía, Prieto Picudo has a great amount of acidity. The wine is aged in French oak barrels made from stave wood that has been carefully dried for over three years. The toasting of these barrels is extremely minimal. Raúl likes to use different barrels to age Prieto Picudo than to age Mencía. Prieto Picudo has significantly more tannins and acidity, so the barrels need to help polish the massive tannic structure of these grapes. The wine is aged for 17 months in French oak barrels. 

Tasting Notes: RP Prieto Picudo exhibits an opaque purple-color, it has a mind-boggling bouquet of mineral, truffle, incense, and black raspberry. Firm on the palate, with silky-textured black fruits, succulent flavors, and a 60-second finish. Impeccable balance.