Jarrarte
It might not be a homogeneous year, but what I tasted here is superb. I haven't seen this level of precision and elegance in a Jarrarte before.
One of the finest Rioja estates producing modern-styled wines...
This Jarrarte is an evolution of the Carbonic Maceration wine of the same name that came about in the early ‘90s when Abel and Maite introduced barrel aging to their winemaking.
“Jarrarte” is the name of an area next to the river that flows through San Vicente de la Sonsierra in Rioja. The area once belonged to the kingdom of Navarre, and the word has roots in the Basque language. “Arte” (between) and “Jarra” (stones). This is an homage to the soils of the region which are very stony and alluvial.
Accolades
2017
93 Points - Tim Atkin MW
90 Points - Robert Parker
2016
92 Points - Robert Parker
2015
90 Points - Robert Parker
Tasting Notes
On the palate, it is dry and with fresh structure. Full and lush mouthfeel. Slight astringency brought about by pleasant tannins. It finishes with a sensation of mellow, dry sweetness produced by the glycerin and alcohol integration. All balanced with an enveloping mineral touch.
Winemaking Notes
The grapes for this wine come from different plots, all roughly 35 - 45 years old. Each parcel is chosen for the blend based on its particular vintage characteristics. The fruit is sorted, destemmed (but not crushed) and fermented in stainless steel tanks. After fermentation, the wine is pressed off the skins and placed in concrete tanks for malolactic fermentation.
After malo, the wine is racked into one part new French oak barrels and one part into the barrels that their white wines were in. Usually the proportion is 50/50, but it can go 60/40 depending on vintage. The wine ages in barrel for 12 - 13 months, depending on taste. It is then bottled and cellared for about 3 years before release.
Label
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DownloadTech Sheets
2017 2016Shelf Talkers
Non Vintage 2017 - 93 Points Tim Atkin MW 2016 - 92 Points Robert Parker| Producer | Abel Mendoza |
|---|---|
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Rioja |
| Appellation | DOCa Rioja |
| Type | Red |
| Variety | Tempranillo |
| Features | Family-owned, Sustainable |
| Closure | Cork |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Case Size | 6 Bottles |
