La Tercera Joven

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For La Tercera Joven, all the fruit comes from plots that are located south of the Ebro River and protected by the Sierra de la Demanda, combining the Atlantic and Mediterranean currents, at an altitude between 500 and 720 meters above sea level. The soils are clay-sandy, the result of erosion over millions of years. The treatment of the vineyard is carried out with the utmost respect for the environment. We practice integrated production with lower yields per hectare and with an ecological tendency, in order to obtain a quality raw material that contains all the personality of the soil and climate, recovering the values ​​and origin of our viticulture.

RATING HISTORY:

2021 92 WE 'Best Buy'

GRAPE:

100% Tempranillo

VINIFICATION AND AGING:

After harvest, the skins rest with the unfermented juice for five days at 7 ºC. This pre-fermentation “cold soak” enhances the wines aromas, color and flavor. Once fermentation has taken place, the Tempranillo skins spend another 10 days in tanks to extract all beneficial color and tannins. Subsequently 50% of the wine is aged for 2-3 months in 5 year old French oak big vats and 50% in stainless steel tanks. The oak regimen helps oxygenate the wine, promoting softer tannins, and a better integration and balance of all components without imparting oak flavor.

LOCATION, SOIL, CLIMATE:

The vineyards are located within Spain's most prestigious wine region, La Rioja (zone 3 and 4) Its climate, which has both Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, and its variety of soil make this D.O. unique and special. The average temperature from April to October is 61°F and the average annual rainfall is 18.3 inches. The vines are tended in limestone, chalk, clay and river stone soil at 568 m (1,865) elevation through sustainable viticulture.

TASTING NOTES:

Lively aromas and flavors of juicy red fruits and peppery spices, plus a sweet hint of mocha. Shows good lift and energy and no rough edges. Subtle tannins give shape to a tangy, persistent finish that leaves a raspberry note behind.