Bodegas Palacios Remondo La Montesa Rioja Crianza 2012

This wine, if you had the inclination (we certainly did), makes an intriguing comparison to our Finca Allende Rioja. Most Rioja is at least 75% Tempranillo, with Grenache usually topping up most of the blend. Finca Allende is, unusually, 100% Tempranillo, while La Montesa is, also unusually, a blend of 75% Garnacha. Try them side by side to see the difference each grape can brings to the mix! It’s like a science experiment, but way more fun. But we’ll give you the results now if you can’t wait… La Montesa has rich, juicy blackcurrants fruit aromas, with toasty oak and tobacco hints. The palate is rich, weighty and concentrated yet remains elegant and balanced with a clean fresh finish and very fine tannins.

The vineyards that make up the grape-producing lands of La Montesa extend from the slopes of Yerga to Valtomelloso, Valviejo and Valfrío. Other areas nearby such as Las Mugas and Valmira represent the estate’s most ancient and traditional viticulture with its rugged soil, scarce rainfall and aromas of Holm oak and thyme, pine and rosemary. The grapes are sourced from the winery’s own vineyards of La Montesa, which are northeast-facing and 550m above sea-level.

The climate is Mediterranean with an Atlantic influence and there are extreme differences between winter and summer. The vines are 25 years old. Viticulture is traditional to Alfaro and the pruning is double cordon de royat. The grapes were hand-harvested, from September 20th to October 25th.

De-stemming, was followed by alcoholic fermentation, which was spontaneous. The wine was pumped over and the maceration time was 23 days. Malolactic fermentation takes place in Inox vats. The wine was aged for 12 months in barrels that are 90% French oak, 10% American oak. The wine is fined but not filtered.

The nose displays notes of blackcurrants and blackberries, with toasty oak and tobacco hints. The palate is rich, weighty and concentrated yet remains elegant and balanced with a clean fresh finish and very fine tannins.