Baltos

Type: Red wine

Winery: Viñedos y Bodegas de Dominio de Tares

D.O.: Bierzo

Country: Spain

Variety: Mencía

Features

This wine has been produced from the Mencia grape variety from different vineyards in the area of Bierzo, seeking a balanced and harmonious grape combination grown on three different types of soil. The predominant vineyard area is called Cabanelas. From here we have harvested vines between 25 and 40 years old planted on stony limestone soils which produce grapes offering structure and bringing out all its strong flavour.

On the other hand, vines also between 25 and 40 years old were selected from the Valtuille area. These were planted on clay-calcareous alluvial soils giving grapes of elegance and ‘finesse’. Finally, vines of at 40 years old were chosen from the Almazcara area, grown on gravel soils lying over clay-calcareous sub-soils at an altitude between 700 and 800 metres above seal level (2,300 – 2,600 ft.), situated in the Upper Bierzo region. This type of soil confers the tannins and polyphenolic compounds to the wine, needed for correct ageing. The harvest in the Western Bierzo region usually takes place during the second fortnight of September and is finalized in the Upper Bierzo region during the last week of October. After an initial selection of grapes, they are transported immediately after picking to the winery in small lots of 15 kilos. They are then sorted out by hand in bunches. The next step is to separate the stems from the grapes which are further pressed lightly before maceration with their skins during two weeks. When fermentation is completed, the wine is aged for 4 to 7 months inside French and American oak barrels which have been in use from 1 to 3 years.

Alc./vol.: 14,5%

Serving temperature: 16 ºC

Tasting

View: Intense red-cherry colour with violet trims. High layer. Slow tear.

Nose: Medium intensity aromas showing more powerful to the extent that it opens. Many red fruit accompanied with floral hints which let through the typical hints of wood with some lactic and spicy hints which have the prominence. Balsamic ending, with memories of hill grass and mint.

Mouth: Smooth, fresh and elegant, with prominence of fruit. Tasty and nice pace, with any last balsamic touch, spicy and licorice. Balanced. Good ending. Round aftertaste.