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VdT Castilla y León 'Quinta Sardonia'
Castilla y Léon, Spain
This is the estate’s signature wine, a biodynamic blend of Tinto Fino with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and other Bordeaux varieties, grown on calcareous slopes overlooking the Duero. Fermentation is spontaneous and parcel-specific, followed by long ageing in French oak to build complexity and finesse. Aromas of blackberry, violet, pencil lead, thyme and incense rise from the glass. The palate is dense but poised, with layered fruit, silky tannins and mineral tension. The finish is long and structured, unfolding with savoury spice and dark florals. A serious, age-worthy red with a cosmopolitan soul. Ideal with roast lamb, chargrilled steaks or aged Manchego.
Technical Sheet
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The Producer
This is a find, and we’re thrilled with it. It’s Vino de la Tierras de Castilla y Léon because it’s a hop, skip and a jump outside the boundary of Ribera del Duero, 850m or so up on a ridge overlooking the undulating valley where many of Ribera’s top producers can be found. The 17ha estate was planted in 1998 on 11 different soil types and is farmed biodynamically.
The grapes in the Sardón are Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. In that order. On the palate it’s all roasted meat seasoned with spice, rose petals and milk chocolate; it’s one of the new breeds of glossy, super-detailed Spanish wines. By way of pedigree let me mention that the project was originally established by Jérôme Bougnaud, who was ex-Pingus which goes some way to explain the quality and finesse of the flagship wine of the estate, Quinta Sardonia. This wine is more Tempranillo heavy in its blend than the Sardón, so expect more dark cherry and powerful elegance.
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