Calzadilla Opta 2018

Opta is created with a blend of Tempranillo (60%), Grenache (20%) and Syrah (20%) from the sandy-chalky soils of Pago Calzadilla in Cuenca, a small family-run winery with its own Vinos de Pago appellation. Its limited annual production of around 80,000 bottles means Pago Calzadilla can use traditional production processes and organic agriculture methods to produce a top quality wine. The grape must macerates with its skins for 3-5 days, before fermenting in stainless steel tanks and undergoing a malolactic fermentation in French oak vats. Following the winery's philosophy, Opta then enjoys a long ageing process of 12 months in 300 and 500 litre French and American barrels and huge 3,500-litre French oak vats. As with all the other wines from the Uribes Madero winery, Opta finishes its ageing in bottle racks where it lies for years, without stabilizing or filtering, to ensure it reaches wine-lovers at just the right moment with its aromas in all their splendour. Displaying a lively Picota cherry red colour in the glass, it seduces the nose with aromas of raspberries, redcurrants and cherries alongside spicy hints of cloves, nutmeg and white pepper. Opta brings to mind rosemary, undergrowth and hawthorn in a fresh wine whose unctuosity rounds off its volume. Polished tannins strengthen the fine balance between fruit and wood. Flavours of liquorice, pencil lead, violets and dusty stones also appear as it reveals an earthy side before bay leaves and cherries bring out its wild, soothing herbal character. The three grape varieties have come together perfectly to produce an even, balanced wine expressing its terroir.