The
Nekeas Valley in Navarra is one of the northernmost vinegrowing regions
on the Iberian peninsula. Cultivation of grapes is only possible thanks
to the presence of the Sierra Perdón, wich provides a mountainous
barrier sheilding the area from the cold winds of the Pyrenees. Additionally,
the climate is moderated by the influence of the Atlantic Ocean -
70 Km away - and by Mediterranean air migrating up the Ebro Valley.
Summer ends early and the cool nights which follow it provide an especially
long period for grapes to mature. This heightens the complexity of
the grape and resulting wines.
The geography
of the Valley is complex too. There are sharp slopes, some impossible
to climb, with altitudes of between 450 and 650 meters, facing out
in all directions. This results in a wide variety of stone outcroppings,
diverse both in structure and composition.
For this
reason there are a number of microclimates, each favoring different
grape varieties - all in a valley only five kilometers in length!
Vega
Sindoa Cabernet Sauvignon Tempranillo is taken from 18-year-old Cabernet
vines planted on red clay at an altitude of 1,500 ft. oriented southwest.
They yield 2.09 t/acre and account for 60% of the blend. The Tempranillo
vines are 15-18 years old and are planted on white clay at an altitude
of 1,650 ft., also oriented to the southwest, and yielding 2.5 t/acre.
Lightly crushed berries are cold-macerated for 5 days; total maceration
is 20 days for the Tempranillo and 25 days for the Cabernet Sauvignon.
The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in French Allier oak barrels
and then is aged for 13 months in new to 3-yr-old barrels of French
Allier oak. Production is 8,000 cases for the U.S.A.
The 2006
Vega Sindoa Cabernet Sauvignon Tempranillo earned 90 points in The
Wine Advocate:
“An
amazing value, it boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as a big,
sweet perfume of blackberries, currants, licorice, and smoked herbs.
Supple-textured and medium-bodied, with loads of fruit, this is an
extraordinary red to enjoy over the next 1-3 years.”
