Master Sommelier Matt Stamp was back in
town to teach a Ribera del Duero Masterclass for the Guild of Sommeliers at
Pappas Bros Steakhouse. Essentially, I went in knowing some key facts about
this region. I knew that it was located in the Duero Valley in Castille-Leon in
Spain. I knew they only produced Red and Rosado wine primarily from
Tempranillo. I knew Vega Sicilia was its most important winery having been in
operation since the 19th century and I knew that Vega Sicilia had used
Bordeaux grapes in their wines in the past. I knew the vineyards were at high elevations on
the meseta where they received high levels of sunlight and I knew they enjoyed
a wide diurnal range. I knew the Tempranillo from this area was darker colored
and more powerful with pronounced aromas and flavors of dark fruit, mainly plum
and blackberry, that it was fairly tannic and could be a bit
astringent.
Matt gave a good review of all of these things
but he also went far more in depth with his coverage particularly with his
breakdown of the provinces or sub-regions within the Ribera del Duero DOP. I hope to share more of that information in some upcoming posts.We
discussed climate, soils, wine making styles and the value of 100 year old
ungrafted Tempranillo vines. While there are many new young vineyards, there
are also many old vines as well. Matt speculated that the heavy interest in the
old vine sources will lead to more terroir driven single vineyard wines coming
from this area in the near future. He had a "fun fact" that I did not
know that apparently was in the wine news last summer-the parentage of
Tempranillo had recently been determined to be the local white grape Albillo
Major and a red grape known as Benedicto which is found in Aragon.
Of course, no matter how interesting Matt Stamp may be, the highlight of these events is always the tasting as he always selects some amazing wines. As expected, they were all interesting and came from some of Ribera del Duero’s top estates. With prices ranging from $15 to $450, there is something here for everyone to get a taste of one of Spain’s best wine regions.
Flight 1
Rosado, 2012
“Montecastrillo”, Bodegas Penalba Lopez This was fresh and fruity with ripe plum and raspberry aromas and
flavors. Plush feel with good acidity. Approximately $15
Flight 2
related posts:
Napa Valley Masterclass
Wines of Germany Masterclass
Tempranillo Day
Matt gave a good review of all of these things
but he also went far more in depth with his coverage particularly with his
breakdown of the provinces or sub-regions within the Ribera del Duero DOP. I hope to share more of that information in some upcoming posts.We
discussed climate, soils, wine making styles and the value of 100 year old
ungrafted Tempranillo vines. While there are many new young vineyards, there
are also many old vines as well. Matt speculated that the heavy interest in the
old vine sources will lead to more terroir driven single vineyard wines coming
from this area in the near future. He had a "fun fact" that I did not
know that apparently was in the wine news last summer-the parentage of
Tempranillo had recently been determined to be the local white grape Albillo
Major and a red grape known as Benedicto which is found in Aragon. Of course, no matter how interesting Matt Stamp may be, the highlight of these events is always the tasting as he always selects some amazing wines. As expected, they were all interesting and came from some of Ribera del Duero’s top estates. With prices ranging from $15 to $450, there is something here for everyone to get a taste of one of Spain’s best wine regions.
Flight 1
Rosado, 2012
“Montecastrillo”, Bodegas Penalba Lopez This was fresh and fruity with ripe plum and raspberry aromas and
flavors. Plush feel with good acidity. Approximately $15
2011 “Mibal”
Joven, Bodegas Hornillos Ballesteros
Matt said that this was a good year for elevated structure and tannins. As
there was no oak aging in this wine, it was a clear,very pure expression of
Tempranillo. It would be a great red wine for summer. A fresh style with a dark
berry character. Approximately $20
2009 “Vina
Pedrosa” Crianza, Bodegas Perez Pascuas This wine was a bit rustic or more traditionally styled. It had a
rich, spicy vanilla character. Approximately $39
2008 Reserva
Tinto, Pesquera This wine was
produced from a cold, wet and rainy growing season and very few Reservas were
produced this year. The wine lacked ripeness and had higher acidity than the
others. Cranberry, nutmeg, coconut and dill aromas and flavors but less
pronounced. The oak was not fully integrated yet. Approximately $50
Flight 2
2010
Antidoto Lighter weight, juicy ripe
black fruit, good structure, long finish. Approximately $20
2009
“Valdegatiles”, Atauta Less fruity,
more licorice, gritty tannins, full body, higher alcohol. Approximately $125
2008 “24
Meses”, Monteabellon Cranberries,
baking spice, oak and hot dogs. Higher acidity, long finish. Approximately $38
2009 “Pago
de Santa Cruz”, Vina Sastre Big and
rustic. A rich wine with lower acidity. Licorice, coconut, some minerality with a bit
of brett. Approximately $84
Flight 3
2010
Aalto Concentrated ripe blackberry
flavor with dill and sweet oak. Approximately $39
2010 “PSI”,
Pingus More elegant and floral.
Juicy ripe blackberry flavor and grippy tannins. Approximately $40
2001 Gran
Reserva, Valduero More Rioja-like.
Vanilla, cherry, licorice, cedar aromas with a sour cherry and dill flavor and
finish. Approximately $100
2003
“Unico”, Vega Sicilia Pronounced
aromas of blue berries and plums with licorice and leather, juicy flavor with
slightly astringent tannins and a long finish. Approximately $450
related posts:
Napa Valley Masterclass
Wines of Germany Masterclass
Tempranillo Day
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