Vintus

Matallana, Ribera del Duero

Part of the Ribera del Duero vineyards for Telmo Rodriguez’ wines are in the area of Parilla. These estate vineyards are a combination of old vines and new plantings, on north facing slopes (moderating heat stress), at an altitude of 3,000 feet. The red soils have strong mineral, chalk and quartz components, are farmed biodynamically, and are plowed only by two horses. Telmo considers this vineyard as having the best vineyard site in the region.

Another important estate vineyard used in making the Ribera del Dueros is called Fuente Molinos, made up of 10 acres of contiguous vineyards painstakingly pieced together from land purchases from 34 owners. Formerly the bottom of a river, Fuente Molinos is characterized by stone deposits on the surface, with increasing chalk intensity deeper into the soils.

Matallana is the result of the same philosophy Telmo Rodriguez has taken with other vineyards: wait to understand the fruit, the soils and the site, and then start to make great wines. Telmo obtained exceptional plots for Matallana, situated on different types of soils, with old, fruit-intense vines. Today there are 8 plots in total. As with Altos de Lanzaga, maceration occurs by foot in the stone vats and aggressive pump-overs are avoided. His aim is to express the grapes through a slow and soft extraction, and fermentation in open wooden vats. Ageing is in 50% new French Oak for 20 months, with each cask studied individually for its characteristics. As he does with all barriques, Telmo drys them himself for three years. Elegance, refinement, length and persistence define this wine.

2005 Vintage Reviews:
“Glass-staining purple. Sexy red and dark berry preserve aromas are complicated by suave incense and floral qualities, picking up smoky minerals with air. Pliant black raspberry and blackcurrant flavors stain the palate and are braced by juicy acidity, which adds lift and focus. Tannins are neatly woven into the fruit. Finishes clean and with excellent length, with the floral notes repeating.” 93 IWC, Sep/Oct 2007