Castillo De Mendoza Rioja Reserva Especial Evento 2010

This is a new star of Rioja. For more than a century the Mendoza family made wines solely for family and friends in a small ancient cellar in the castle of San Vicente de la Sonsierra in Rioja Alta. In 1994, the family restored an old distillery building to start a new winery: Bodegas Castillo de Mendoza with cellars carved out of the local rock. This estate was one of the pioneers of organic viticulture in Rioja, beginning down this path in 2000. The vines are tended by hand and the yields low. The wines are exceptional and several are held back in the deep cellars for release only when they are at their very peak.

The organically farmed vineyards are located in the prestigious Rioja Alta region near the Sierra Cantabria, which benefits from high diurnal varation and well-drained limestone marl soils which encourage the roots to penetrate deep into the subsoil in the search for  nutrients. Evento is a limited edition release of 5000 bottles from the oldest tempranillo vines of the estate.

The wine was aged in new French oak barrels for 30 month followed by another 18 months in bottle.

Grape Variety: 100% Tempranillo

Farming Practices: Contains sulfites

Tasting Notes:  From a great vintage, this is a deep, lush red with layers of blackberry, violet, soy, licquorice  and vanilla notes with a creamy texture, ripe, fine tannins and a finish that goes on forever. Suuculent and delicious.

Food Match: Ideal with rack of lamb or roast beef.
 
Sugar Level: 0.01g/l

Closure: Cork