We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
About This Wine
El Espinal was the first label under Tom Puyaubert’s Colección Miguel Angel Mato. Mato, a native of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, is the seasoned grower who does all the work, cultivating by mule in some of Exopto’s principal vineyards. He also owns several old vineyards high on the slopes of the Sierra Cantabria, including El Espinal. Here, the 'pin' in the plot name Espinal references the pine trees on the exposed slopes of the Sierra Cantabria in San Vicente, which have always been a part of this high-country landscape. This site—a 0.3-hectare, limestone/clay vineyard—is planted to bush vines of the extremely rare Maturana Tinta vine, a re-emerging variety in Rioja. The Wine Grapes bible classifies it as Trousseau, although Puyaubert tells us that this is not the case and that these vines are rather Castets, a now almost extinct French variety that was once grown in some quantity in the Bordeaux area (and is related to Cabernet Franc).
Another atypical facet of this cuvée is Puyaubert’s use of Vinification Intégrale, whereby he fermented the fruit in closed, 600-litre French oak barrels, which were rolled several times a day. There were no pump overs, no pigéage, etc., just rolling (this results in infusion rather than extraction). Following fermentation and pressing, the juice was then racked back into these same casks for 15 months before bottling.
This is unlike anything you may have tasted from Rioja before. Picked a full month after Exopto’s Ábalos vineyards, the inviting dark purple, almost inky hue draws you in, before layers of complexity overflow from the glass: pure blue fruits, fennel, some spice and a peppery lift. Then you get waves of moreish mid-palate freshness, lifted chalky tannins and lip-smacking acidity. Like an outstanding Saumur yet with perhaps more flesh, it’s a superb and unique red from Rioja’s high country.
Type | Red Wine |
---|---|
Varietal(s) | Maturana Tinta |
Country | Spain |
Region | Rioja |
Brand | Bodegas Exopto |
Vintage | 2021 |
Wines of Spain
With 2.9 million acres of land planted in wine grapes, Spain is the most widely planted wine producing nation and second largest producer in the world. Many styles of wine are produced in the country most of which are based on native grape varietals.
The two most famous regions are Rioja and Ribera del Duero for their Tempranillo production. Rioja Tempranillo (the classic) will be lighter and fresher with red fruit flavours as compared to those from Ribera del Duero that are often deep purple, higher in alcohol with more tannins and intense black fruit character. Rioja is also known for producing Garnacha (Grenache), as well as rich, nutty whites from the indigenous Viura varietal.
In the Catalonia region, Spain is recognized for making a sparkling wine in the traditional method but using native grape varieties. This is called Cava. Priorat, a subregion within Catalonia specializes in making still red blends of Garnacha, Carignan and often Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon in a bold and full-bodied style. Together with Rioja, wines from Priorat have achieved DOCa/DOQ status signifying their quality.
Sherry is Spain’s famous fortified wine which can either be completely dry, lusciously sweet or somewhere in between. This is made in the southern region of Jerez.
Other notable Spanish wine styles include: Monastrell (AKA. Mataro/Mourvèdre), produced in the Jumilla region and refreshing white Albariño and Verdejo from north western Galacia.