Description
Above everything else, David Sampedro considers himself a vine grower. He displays an intimate knowledge of his vineyards and the soils where they lay, on the outskirts of Elvillar, one of the higher areas in Rioja Alavesa. His vineyards are organically grown since he went solo in 2006 and he is currently working to make them biodynamic under the Demeter certification. As a firm believer of these practices, yields at his vineyards range between 3,000-3,500 kg/hectare (well below the appellation limits) and the only treatments he applies to his plants are sulphur and milk whey. He is conscious of the bad reputation he has gained as “the village’s worst vine grower” but believes it is part of the eternal dispute between young people’s new ways and old people’s conservative approach. Ironically, though, it is David, armed with his winemaker’s training, who wants to go back to do things the way his grandfather did out of intuition.
Pasolasmonjas 2011
De Vinos Tasting Note
The Pasolasmonjas is a red wine made from 100% Garnacha grapes from old vines, some older than 70 years old, planted in the Navarra D.O. These vineyards are located at an altitude of 700 m. This high altitude means cold nights that help grapes cool down at night and retain their nutrients. This wine has done alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in 4 to 5 year old French oak barrels.This wine has been aged during 12 to 16 months (depending on the vintage) in used French oak barrels.
Cherry garnet. Red fruit, candy, balsamic herbs. Sweet fruit on the palate, easy to drink, with juiciness. 15.5 points
Wineissocial Tasting Note
A declaration of intent by David Sampedro in this Garnacha which is very tasty and sweet tooth but with all the freshness of the variety grown in height. The old vines of Grenache have much to say and show in this wine, full of ripe black fruit and tannins and sufficient acidity to give it a touch of freshness.
Award
91 pts – ROBERT PARKER
93 PTS – DECANTER
