Wine of the Week: Alma de Vino~Old Vine Tempranillo 2014

Region: D.O. Ribera del Duero, Spain

Price:  $36

This wine is gorgeous! If you like a big rich wine, give this a try. This 2014 has had some time to age and can age longer but is drinking great now. I recommend decanting. Look for a rich mouthfeel, deep earthy flavors, chocolate, spice and blackberries.

Pairs with red meats, game, and a romantic evening for two.

Winemaker April Cullom shared a few notes with me:

“Alma” means “soul” in Spanish, which is just what this wine has, and lots of it.  I was the U.S. Brand Ambassador for Ribera del Duero for several years and made many friends along the way, including César Muñoz who rescued these old vines.  I still remember the call when he asked if I wanted to get started on the project, we talked about years ago to create a terroir-driven wine from Ribera del Duero made with the local varietal Tempranillo that expresses a sense of place.  

            Fun Facts:

· 100+ year old vines, grown at 3,000+ meters, organically farmed, low sulfites 

· Limited production (1.500 bottles produced)

· Artisanal, each vintage is hand-crafted 

· Artwork is from a painting by my uncle Sergio Gonzalez Tornero, selected to express the wine’s personality.