Carro
Tinto Yecla Red Blend
Yecla, Murcia, Spain
Almost 40 year old vines planted in limestone soil that receives about 8-10 inches of rain annually. No oak treatment. Comprised of 50% Monastrell, 20% Syrah, 20% Merlot, and 10% Tempranillo. Harvested separately then de-stemmed and crushed. The skins mix with the juice before and after fermentation for 14 days at a medium temperature. Undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged for three months in stainless steel tanks before the varieties are blended. An additional 2-3 months of aging occurs in tanks before bottling.
My initial impression was "How can this not be Southern Rhone?" Potently aromatic, showing blackberry, incense, and crushed gravel, with some secondary floral notes. The nose doesn't deceive the palate. The surprisingly silky mouthfeel is in distinct contrast to its level of bitterness. This is the first wine that's ever caused me to contemplate "Are IBUs and wine a thing?" That said, over time the bitterness begins to take on a cacao nip profile. With more time, it approaches baking chocolate which dovetails seamlessly with the blackberry that unfolds in all directions bramble. This is a quick evolver, but provides some fleeting moments where you just might think you're drinking something that's several times more expensive.
Almost 40 year old vines planted in limestone soil that receives about 8-10 inches of rain annually. No oak treatment. Comprised of 50% Monastrell, 20% Syrah, 20% Merlot, and 10% Tempranillo. Harvested separately then de-stemmed and crushed. The skins mix with the juice before and after fermentation for 14 days at a medium temperature. Undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged for three months in stainless steel tanks before the varieties are blended. An additional 2-3 months of aging occurs in tanks before bottling.
My initial impression was "How can this not be Southern Rhone?" Potently aromatic, showing blackberry, incense, and crushed gravel, with some secondary floral notes. The nose doesn't deceive the palate. The surprisingly silky mouthfeel is in distinct contrast to its level of bitterness. This is the first wine that's ever caused me to contemplate "Are IBUs and wine a thing?" That said, over time the bitterness begins to take on a cacao nip profile. With more time, it approaches baking chocolate which dovetails seamlessly with the blackberry that unfolds in all directions bramble. This is a quick evolver, but provides some fleeting moments where you just might think you're drinking something that's several times more expensive.
I love this blend, Monastrell as a base and then Syrah, Merlot & Temperanillo. Smooth, tart, and some finish...
I love this blend, Monastrell as a base and then Syrah, Merlot & Temperanillo. Smooth, tart, and some finish...
Jan 14th, 2018
Smells waft of candies plum, without the cake.
Cloudberry sugarless jam, edible flowers, a pleasant dance with the fluttering wings of soft acidity and the powderiness of gritty tannins.
Certainly one of the better wines from Yecla, where I am used to cloying wines. Or at least, the ones that used to be all we could find from this region.
Smells waft of candies plum, without the cake.
Cloudberry sugarless jam, edible flowers, a pleasant dance with the fluttering wings of soft acidity and the powderiness of gritty tannins.
Certainly one of the better wines from Yecla, where I am used to cloying wines. Or at least, the ones that used to be all we could find from this region.
If you’re tired of the same old grape varietals and terroirs, then this is a great selection. The monastrell provides the interesting and fruit nose. Th Syrah, Merlot and oak give this wine heft and smooth tannins. The yecla region in Spain is little known and has an earthy, sunny, coastal terrioir.
If you’re tired of the same old grape varietals and terroirs, then this is a great selection. The monastrell provides the interesting and fruit nose. Th Syrah, Merlot and oak give this wine heft and smooth tannins. The yecla region in Spain is little known and has an earthy, sunny, coastal terrioir.
Nov 5th, 2017
Starts out a bit strong on the alcohol.... but after a time in the decanter, it really opens up. A great little wine, was superb with burgers. I love a big bold red that hasn't leaned on oak for flavor and depth. Would recommend and buy again
Starts out a bit strong on the alcohol.... but after a time in the decanter, it really opens up. A great little wine, was superb with burgers. I love a big bold red that hasn't leaned on oak for flavor and depth. Would recommend and buy again
Mar 3rd, 2017
Perfect unoaked red blend. Bright and very drinkable.
Perfect unoaked red blend. Bright and very drinkable.
Oct 4th, 2016
Aromas show earth, blood, animal, tobacco, little leather.
flavors of plum, blackberry, black cherry, little spice and faint tannin on finish.
Aromas show earth, blood, animal, tobacco, little leather.
flavors of plum, blackberry, black cherry, little spice and faint tannin on finish.