2014, Bodegas Vegalfaro, CAPRASIA Bobal Crianza, Utiel-Requena – Valencia, Spain (vegalfaro.com)
About the Region: Located 200km southeast of Madrid and 70km inland of the Mediterranean coastline, Utiel-Requena lies within the region of Valencia. Here it incurs both Continental and Mediterranean climactic influences. With winemaking anthropology dating to 7th C. B.C., Utiel-Requena is Spain’s oldest winemaking region.
About the Maker: Coming from a long-line of winemakers, Andrés Valiente, along with son Rodolfo, founded Bodegas Vegalfaro in 1999. After earning degrees in both Oenology and Law, Rodolfo now serves as Vegalfaro’s Technical Director.
In 2017, Rodolfo was named Valencia’s Winemaker of the Year.
About the Estate: The three Vegalfaro vineyards average 700 m.a.s.l., each with distinct soil types ranging from gravel/chalk to clay/limestone. Average age of Vegalfaro’s low-yielding Bobal bush-vines is 55-years.
About Sustainability: Having never been exposed to synthetic treatments, the Vegalfaro soils thrive with micro-fauna and decomposing organic matter.
All their wines are certified organic.
About the Grape: Native to Valencia, Bobal is a late sprouting and late ripening red. Renowned for its fragrance, colour and tannin, it has adapted perfectly to the region’s climactic vagarities.
About the Wine: After ageing 14-months in European oak and five in clay amphorae, a wine that’s dark purple results. Aromatic notes of leather, spice box and dark fruits precede a medium-bodied palate of cinnamon and blackberry.
The finish is fresh and long.
About Pairing: Medium cheeses, roast lamb and seared tenderloin.
About Availability: Check liquorconnect.com (call the listed store too) confirming availability.
CSPC #783360
About Price: $28
