100% Garnacha from Mentrida DO, Spain. Woman Winemaker.

BODEGAS TAVERA: It’s Lechuza 2.0 - a collaboration based in the Gredos Mountains and the DO of Mentrida with Bodegas Tavera. The winery dates back to 1917 and has been passed down through three generations. Today, it is run by Consuelo Gonzalez and her brother, Jesus, with winemaker Belen Hita at the helm. The area is home to old vine Garnacha - many vines over 80 years old - much like what those found in Aragon (and what brought us here in the first place).

MENTRIDA: Méntrida lies northwest of Toledo, flanked by the Sierra de Gredos mountain range. One of the lesser-known regions of Spain, but one of historical significance as vineyards date back to the twelfth century - ancient vines that are typically more synonymous with Aragon. Also of note is the “arcosas” soil type - quartz sandstone with a significant percentage of feldspar - derived from a rapid erosion of igneous and metamorphic rocks.

VINEYARDS: Old bush vines (50-70 years) of Garnacha planted on granitic sandy soils that are extremely poor in nutrients. These high altitude vineyards, at 400-600 meters, experience extreme diurnal shifts in temperature –scorching days and frigid nights..

WINEMAKING: The grapes are de-stemmed and fermented with wild yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel.

TASTING NOTES: Silky, spicy, and aromatic, this is a high-toned example of old vine Garnacha. Intense floral and berry aromas with lively acidity, mineral structure, and supple red berry fruit. Bright and succulent. “Deep, bright-hued red. Red fruit liqueur, candied flowers and white pepper on the fragrant nose. Sappy, smooth and fruit-driven, offering cherry and Chambord flavors braced by a core of juicy acidity. Shows gentle spiciness on the clinging, red-fruit-dominated finish, which is shaped by subtle, harmonious tannins. This wine is ridiculously easy to drink.”

PRESS | 91 JS (James Suckling) "A fruity nose of ripe strawberries, cassis, cherries, vanilla and cinnamon. It’s medium-to full-bodied with powdery tannins. Creamy with rich, sweet berries.” - JamesSuckling.com

FOOD PAIRING: This wine will pair beautifully with Smoked Meats, Lamb, Game, Beef Short Ribs, Roasted Chicken & Pork; it will also pair well with Grilled/Charred Meats & Pastas w/ Red Sauce.