Alma La Rad

2020 Vintage

Winery:

Bodegas Casa La Rad, S.L.

Estate:

Casa La Rad, Valle de Ocón, Rioja Oriental

Denominación de origen:

Rioja DOCa

Grape varieties:

Tempranillo 50% / Garnacha 50%

Barrel aging:

Minimum of 18 months in new 225-liter French oak barriques

Vineyard altitudes:

550 meters (1,800 feet)

Average age of vines:

35 years

Soil composition:

Limestone soil, typical for the estate, with medium depth, abundant pebbles and a loamy texture.

Harvest:

Between the first and second week of October

Vinification and aging:

Grapes were harvested into small-capacity trailers and brought to the winery nearby. Fermentation took place in open 500-liter French oak barrels, with frequent "punch downs" of the grape cap.

Once fermented the wine was pressed, then moved with its lees into French oak barrels of two different sizes: 225 liters and 500 liters. Here it underwent malolactic fermentation and was left to age for 18 months. After barrel-aging the wine was bottled and aged two years before market release for maximum refinement.

Tasting notes:

Appearance — deeply layered texture with intense garnet color and a purple rim. Very clean and transparent.

Nose — intense, complex aromas with notes of jammy black fruits and black plum, with slightly floral, buttery and balsamic nuances. The time spent in oak barrels gives this wine smoky and spicy notes, with hints of pepper, coconut and clove.

Palate — powerful, complex, and structured but also extremely elegant with a silky entry. In the mouth similar notes appear as in the nose. Very well-balanced and delicious with a long finish.

Alcohol:

14.5%

Total Acidity (TA):

5.5 grams / liter

Production:

1,790 bottles