Cortijo Tinto

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There are volumes written on the use of oak and the winemaking practices of the famous DOCa Rioja, but to the team making Cortijo it all boils down to a simple proverb: to make better wine, you need to harvest better grapes. Rather than build a chateau or a beautiful tasting room, the fourth-generation winegrowers at Cortijo invest in cultivating the most meaningful ingredient (perfect, healthy grapes) and preserving its freshness and natural character after harvest by avoiding the use of oak. Cortijo Tinto is made from 100% Tempranillo grown in the best part of the valley, Rioja Alta, and offers a perfect introduction and opportunity to taste a “no makeup” version of the grape that forms the backbone of some of Spain’s most famous wines in its most famous region.

WHAT MAKES THIS WINE UNIQUE?

A pure, bright expression of estate fruit from one of the most authentic and humble local wineries in Rioja Alta. The emphasis is entirely on showcasing the unmistakable wild red berry flavors that define a good Rioja and avoiding the heavy-handed traditional oak elements that hide them.

RATING HISTORY:

2020 91WE; 2019 90VM; 2016 90VM, 90JS; 2015 89VM

GRAPE:

100% Tempranillo. Vines planted from 1969-1995. Tended in clay and sandy soil at 568 m (1,865 ft) elevation

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:

The fresh, pure character of this wine makes this an extremely versatile wine to pair with food. This wine pairs well with white meats like pork and chicken and flaky fish like hake, cod or flounder. This has the fruit and acidity to match with red meats, as well.

VINIFICATION AND AGING:

After harvest, the skins rest with the unfermented juice for five days at 45F. 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 3 year old French oak barrels 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 fifteen vineyard parcels that go into the making of this great expression of Rioja Alta are located in two distinct towns, Briones and Arenzana, both sited at approximately 568 meters (1,865 ft.) elevation. In Briones, the soils are thin red clay and sandy. In Arenzana the soils are sandy with alluvial sediment. The climate conditions of this area are very beneficial to wine growing. The average temperature from April-October is 61.5F with 18.3 inches of yearly rainfall. The moderately warm days and cool nights of this Continental Atlantic climate forces the grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in wines that show brighter aromas and more fruit flavors.

TASTING NOTES:

Brilliant ruby. 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.-- Josh Raynolds

ALCOHOL CONTENT:

13.5%

UPC CODE:

810411010211

BOTTLE WEIGHT:

.86 lbs (.39 kg)