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WINES OF SPAIN
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Vinos Valtuille
DO Bierzo (Castilla y León), Spain
Vinos Valtuille is a small boutique winery owned by the García Alba family. It is located in the small village
of Valtuille de Abajo, burrowed at the foot of an old Roman settlement in the province of Leon, in northern
Spain. The land is dominated by nearly thirty acres of old, beautiful vineyards that extend from the village
to the heart of the historic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The reigning variety here is Mencia,
planted in small plots on clay slopes, allowing for optimal ripening. However, the beauty of this unique
landscape lies not only in the countryside but in the character of its people. Vinos Valtuille was founded
in 1999, but the vine-growing and winemaking traditions of its ancestors date back to 1910. Today, the
winemaking duties are in the self-taught hands of Marco García Alba, one of Bierzo’s current crop of
rising-star winemakers and growers. In early 2000, the family embarked on the challenge of producing
high-quality wines and elevating the image of their region. They made numerous investments to update
the facilities and successfully obtained the technical resources to achieve this dream. The attention to
detail and the meticulous manner in which he cares for the vineyards ensures that each harvest yields rich
fruit. The estate’s philosophy is clear, placing care for the land at the very top of the ladder, guaranteeing
quality from vine to bottle. This idea is an homage to founder Dimas Garcia’s roots—especially his
grandfather, Antonio.
Pago de Valdoneje Joven
The grapes for the Pago de Valdoneje Joven are manually harvested from the clay and sandy soils of the
estate’s Mencia vines that reach over eighty-five years of age. Fermentation and aging occur in stainless
steel tanks to preserve the fruit-driven characteristics of the wine. An intense ruby red in color with violet
reflections, the Joven shows beautifully, with a fresh nose of wild berries, mint, and earthy elements
imparted by the Bierzo soils. Firmly structured on the palate, this wine is supported by fine tannins and
remarkable balance.
2015:
91 WA |
2013:
90 WA
Pago de Valdoneje Roble
The Pago de Valdoneje Roble is sourced from vineyards over eighty-five years of age that are rich in
clay and sand. The grapes are manually harvested and pass through a strict bunch selection to ensure
astounding quality. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for four to six months in French oak, the Roble
has a smoke-driven nose, displaying aromas of red fruits and black pepper. On the palate, this wine has a
rich body with nicely integrated tannins and lively acidity towards the lasting finish.
2014:
89 WA