Aragonez

History

Also known as Tempranillo in Spain, and Tinto Roriz in Portugal. One of our vineyard’s stalwart varieties. In years of extreme temperatures, photosynthesis shuts down, impairing maturation. Notable for its outstanding tannins, which impart a good ageing ability.

Current Vintage: 2005

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Click here for PDFs of past vintages: 2002, 2003, 2004 , 2005

Vintage 2005

In the Alentejo, rainfall since October 2004 was the lowest for more than a century, recorded at 219 mm, down from our annual average of 600 mm. The winter was not only dry but cold, with morning frost and temperatures as low as -5 °. Not surprisingly, bud break was delayed by a fortnight and the growing season was shorter than usual. The ‘ideal’ September harvest weather, brought along cooler nights and warm, sunny, breezy weather during the days, just was what was needed for the phenolic ripening of the grapes, to preserve some good fruit acid and flavor.

Vinification

Made exclusively from selected Aragonez (Tempranillo) grapes hand picked at optimum maturity from chosen sites in our own vineyards. Fermented without stems under temperature control, frequent delestage, followed by extended skin maceration to enhance varietal fruit characters, and to provide tannin structure and balance. Aged for 7 months in new American oak barrels (60%) and Stainless Steel (40%), and then blended to give balanced varietal fruit and oak components.

Tasting Notes

The wine shows complex ripe plum and prune fruit aromas with cinnamon and vanilla oak spiciness. The palate is solid and layered, combining sweet gamey fruit with firm and dry tannin structure. Drinks well now and will improve in bottle over the next 5 years.

Appellation: Vinho Regional Alentejano

Varieties: 100% Aragonez

Total Acids: 5.0

Final pH: 3.81

Residual Sugars: 3.0

Alcohol: 14,5 %

Barrel aging: 7 months in AO (60%) and Stainless Steel (40%)

Grown, produced and bottled at the family estate

Bottled filtered but unfined in June 2006

Total production: 16.575 bottles (75 cl)

Release Date: October 2009

Unique Code: AVIN5338763592278 [?]

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Awards

Silver Medal – Vinalies Internationales 2009
Silver Medal – Challenge International du Vin 2009