Olga Fernandez, Winemaker (photo by Vinimenta) |
Country of Origin: Spain
Location: Madrid
People: Victor Algora & Jose Ramón Lissarrague, Owners | Olga Fernandez, Owner & Winemaker
During Roman times, Licinia was the name of the town of Morata located southeast of Madrid. Today, Licinia is a wine made by three visionaries who are conscious of the immense opportunity the vineyards of southeast Madrid present. Olga Fernandez the Winemaker, Victor and Jose Ramón Lissarrague, the most prestigious viticulturists in Spain, are the trio and soul of Licinia.
Bodegas Licinia's objective: to make a small production wine that speaks out in a clear voice with the personality of this terruño. The trio's organic philosophy guides every decision in the vineyard. At the bodega attention to detail is everything: eight-kilo boxes for harvesting, temperature-controlled vans from vineyard to winery, two sorting tables with six people each. The best clusters are sorted first and then the best berries of each cluster. The stainless steel tanks ferment each parcel separately. And the list continues—attention to detail is everything!
Licinia is an estate bottled wine made from the grapes of its own vineyard. Sixty-seven acres divided into four different parcels: Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot. The actual cuvee for 2006 is 40% Syrah, 30% Tempranillo, and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Merlot portion in 2006 was not to the liking of the winemaker thus never making it into the blend.
Licinia is aged for twelve months in French oak barrels with a production of 1,000 cases, out of which 150 cases make it to the US. After tasting Licinia several times throughout the last six months, I would say that elegance and balance are the two best words to describe this unique expression of Madrid.
In the words of Josh Raynolds for International Wine Cellar, Sep/Oct 08 (92 pts)
"2006 Licinia, Impressively complex, sexy bouquet of black raspberry, blueberry, licorice and violet; the syrah is really showing today. Bright red and dark berry flavors are focused and pure, with a zesty undertone of smoky minerals and candied flowers. An elegant, precise wine that combines power and delicacy, and finishes with persistent minerality."
Wine Advocate 6/2008 (91 pts)
"The 2006 Licinia, Inky purple-hued, it offers up an enticing bouquet of mineral, pencil lead, tar, scorched earth, black currant, and blackberry. Layered, ripe, and spicy, it has several years of aging potential and should provide pleasure through 2020." Dr. Jay Miller Wine Advocate #175 Feb 2008 Wine and Spirits Magazine (90 pts) "2006 Licinia, Located 25 miles southeast of Madrid, is one of the rising stars of the Vinos de Madrid D.O. This blend of syrah (40 percent), cabernet (30) and tempranillo (30) is ripe with a lasting scent of red flowers and deep flavors of black cherry and cinnamon. The medium-weight tannins will match veal stew."
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