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Dacu 2011 Tempranillo, Ribera del Guadiana DO

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Item Number: 5942

UPC: 0810411012925

Country: Spain
Region: Extremadura
Appellation/AVA: Ribera del Guadiana DO
Vintage: 2011
Grape(s): 100% Tempranillo
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14.5
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Soil Type: Clay and limestone
Elevation: 2,100 feet
Case Production: 4,330


What makes this wine Unique? High elevation vineyards and exposure to cool breezes from the Atlantic Ocean. The diversity of soils in the vineyard produces consistent quality wines in dry or wet years. Dacu is an incredible value! Dacu reveals a sense of place through Tempranillo that is a completely different expression than that of Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Toro.

Vinification: Dacu’s vineyard is divided into three different soil types, so it is vinified in three different methods to suit the fruit from each soil type. The Tempranillo grapes that come from limestone soil undergo a higher degree of extraction with extended maceration, a greater frequency of pumping over and “rack and return,” also called delestage. The Tempranillo grapes that come from the clay section of the vineyard undergo a very light maceration without pumping over or delestage, but with a soaking of the cap three times a day for one week. The third section of the vineyard is composed of clay-heavy limestone. These Tempranillo grapes are typically mixed with their skins for two weeks, and the maceration is limited to a light soaking of the cap. After maceration and fermentation are complete, the wine is put into barrel where it undergoes malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged for three months in French oak barrels, three years old.

Location: The vineyards in the Ribera del Guadiana DO are located in Zone 6, just west of La Mancha, near the Portuguese border. This large region is divided into 6 subzones: Tierra de Barros, Ribera Alta, Ribera Baja, Cañamero, Montanchez and Matanegra. Dacu comes from Matanegra, the third highest district after Montanchez and Cañamero. The high-altitude vineyard, at 640 meters (2,100 ft.) elevation, is located in the town of El Raposo. Here, the wide range of day and night temperatures enhances the Tempranillo’s bright aromas and flavors. This vineyard’s altitude exposes the grapes to Atlantic breezes, which makes this site cooler than other vineyards in the region. The 18-hectare (45 acre) vineyard is comprised of sections with three different soil types: clay, limestone and sand. All Tempranillo vines were planted in 1993, and are trained on double cordon trellises with 2 wires, achieving greater shade due to the umbrella effect of the trellis training.

Tasting Notes: It exhibits terrific wild berry/Zinfandel-like fruit, pepper, earth and roasted herb characteristics. Richly fruity, pure and heady. This easy-drinking red has a charming personality that goes well with many kinds of casual foods. It also has enough structure, “cut” and acidity to pair well with more elaborate main courses that feature red or white meat, poultry and even flakey fish.

Reviews
Dacu 2011 Tempranillo, Ribera del Guadiana DO
Rating: 88

(aged for four months in stainless steel and three months in French oak): Opaque ruby. Aromas of violet, cassis, vanilla and woodsmoke. Slightly jammy black and blue fruits and mocha on the palate, along with a touch of bitterness. The supple finish shows good energy and a hint of refreshing spiciness.

- International Wine Cellar (10/1/2013)

Dacu 2011 Tempranillo, Ribera del Guadiana DO
Rating: 88

This 100% Tempranillo from the appellation of Ribera del Guadiana reveals lots of dense plum, black currant and cherry fruit intermixed with notions of licorice, camphor and spice. Aged in a combination of stainless steel and French oak for 3-4 months, it is a fruity, fleshy, succulent, somewhat in-your-face red wine that is fun to drink. Consume it over the next several years.

- The Wine Advocate (8/29/2013)