[ 2010 Montecastro Ribera del Duero “Alconte” ]
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[ Why We Love It: ]
Bodegas Monetecastro does a magnificent job of marrying the best of old and new. Production is carried out under the watchful eye of well-known French Winemaker Jean-Francois Hebrard (of Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux) in a modern state-of-the-art winery built back in 2001. In addition to the 50+ acres of estate vineyards, Hebrard has worked to establish a supply network with neighbouring growers who own and farm some of the oldest plots in the region. With access to vineyards that are more than 100 years old Montecastro is able to produce wines with depth, complexity and concentration that belie the relative youth of this increasingly important address in the Ribera del Duero.
The estate vineyards have been planted – and are processed into wine – plot by plot, emphasizing small parcels with varying soil profiles, altitudes, exposures and vineyard management strategies (i.e. trellising and canopy management). This approach yield dozens of parcels of grapes, each with subtly different characteristics – and gives this master Winemaker a remarkable set of raw materials from which he can compose a perfectly balanced and complex tapestry of flavours and aromas. These wines remain true to the Ribera del Duero style – burly, rich and full-bodied reds that deliver concentration, power and complexity at eminently reasonable prices.
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[ Recipes & Food Pairings: ]
Slow Roasted Pork w/ Mustard + Sage – RECIPE
Roasted Fall Vegetable Salad w/ Maple Dressing – RECIPE
Coffee Rubbed Steak Tacos w/ Pickled Red Onions – RECIPE
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[ Price: ]
BOTTLE: $27.95
CASE: $335.40
BUY THIS WINE
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[ Technical Specs: ]
ALCOHOL:14.5%
BOTTLE: 750mL
Case Pack: 12 x 750mL
GRAPES: 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo)
CLOSURE: Natural Cork
CELLAR POTENTIAL: 5-7 years
SERVING TEMPERATURE: 16 to 18 degrees C
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[ Tasting Notes: ]
“Bright violet color. Black raspberry and cola aromas are complemented by notes of vanilla and mocha. Pliant and seamless in texture, offering sweet dark fruit flavors given lift by juicy acidity and a peppery nuance. Shows very good energy and clarity on the youthfully tannic, spice-tinged finish. The most lithe and elegant version of this bottling I’ve had to date, this should age well on its balance.”
91 / 100 Points
Josh Raynolds / Vinous.com
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Wine of the Week #1523: Bodegas Montecastro Ribera del Duero “Alconte”
[ TAGS: ]
#Tempranillo #Ribera del Duero #Montecastro #Spain