Alaia

Part of the Grupo Galiciano, 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 PicudoTempranillo and some MerlotCabernet 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
Vineyard is situated in Castilla y León, with Sandy loam soil, with boulders on the surface and clay underneath several meters 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
Maceration is for 10-15 days at 12-14 degrees C to extract aromas and colour. The must ferments with the skins for about 7 days, and during fermentation the wine is over-pumped, to air the wine and extract aromas. The wine is then aged for 4 months in new 225 litre French oak casks.

Tasting Notes
Intense aromas of cherry and red fruit, with more savoury woodland and cocoa notes. The palate is complex - fruity and medium-bodied - with black cherry and plum characters combined with bramble fruits, spice, balanced acidity and good length.