Item Number: 6746 UPC: 0810411010716

Country: Spain
Region: Murcia Sub Region: Murcia
Appellation/AVA: Yecla DO
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vintage: 2012
Grape(s): 50% Monastrell / 30% Syrah / 12% Tempranillo / 8% Merlot
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14.5
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Soil Type: Limestone and chalk with clay and gravel subsoils
Elevation: 2,339 feet

Terroir: The vineyards are located within the Yecla DO in Zone 8, within Murcia in southeastern Spain. Monastrell is the most planted grape in the area and is the second most planted red grape in Spain. Yecla’s higher altitude makes it significantly cooler than neighboring Jumilla, and the resulting wines are more aromatic, with a more fresh, easy-to-drink character. The area’s soils are composed of limestone and chalk with clay and gravel subsoils. Poor in organic matter, the soils are deep and have good drainage. The clay subsoil retains water, essential for the health of the vine in this arid climate. Due to the low content of nutrients in the soil, the vines have low vigor and yields are only 2 kilograms (4.4 lbs.) of fruit per vine, which produces smaller berries with a higher skin-to-juice ratio.

Vinification: Each grape variety is harvested separately in small boxes during the cool morning hours and then the grapes are de-stemmed and crushed. The skins mix with the juice before and after fermentation for fourteen days. The temperature during fermentation is kept to a medium level (about 25ºC or 77ºF) in order to extract a bit more tannin from the skins. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and aging for three months in stainless steel tanks before the different grape varieties (Monastrell, Syrah, Tempranillo and Merlot) are blended prior to an additional 2-3 months of aging in tanks before bottling.

Tasting Notes: Carro reveals copious amounts of rich raspberry, black cherry and currant fruit. Medium-bodied and ripe with good glycerin, purity, texture and balance. This simple, unpretentious, easy-to-drink and juicy red will pair well with most any flavorful, casual dishes—summer or otherwise—you’re likely to see it on the backyard deck, at the beach, or at a picnic. Grilled cheddar burgers with bacon, BBQ brisket or pulled pork and pressed Cajun chicken sandwiches all fit the bill.