Alaia

Dehesa de Rubiales is a 300 hectare estate in the Vino de la Tierra area Valdevimbre in Castilla y Leon. So far 150 hectares have been planted with Prieto Picudo, Tempranillo and some Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The vineyards are 650 meters above sea level consisting of red alluvial soils with a high stone content. Preito picudo is native to the area and so called because of the shape of the bunches of grapes which are compact and oval. Originally this grape was used for rose wines but the group believe there is great potential for it in red wines.

Vineyards

The vineyard, situated in Valdevimbre in Castilla y León, has sandy loam soil with large rocks on the surface and clay beneath up to several metres deep. The vines are 25 years old. Green harvesting is carried out to increase fruit quality and there is no irrigation. Harvest is by hand and usually in October.

Vinification

Grapes undergo a cool maceration is for 10-15 days to extract aromas and colour. The must ferments with the skins for about 7 days, and during fermentation the wine is over-pumped, to aerate and soften the wine. It is then aged for 4 months in new 225 litre French oak casks.

Tasting Notes

Intense ripe cherry with some spicy wood notes. The palate is medium to full-bodied and intense with black cherry, plum and bramble fruits, spice and well-integrated oak. Some freshness on the finish gives balance to the ripe fruit and oak.

Great with grilled meats, such as lamb chops or sausages.