Hacienda Monasterio, pure wine from Ribera del Duero, Spain

Thanks to the Hacienda Monasterio´s Sales Contact, we get into the carefully way to work in the cellar.Chrystelle Moranexplains us with passion how they make their wines into the more ecological possible way, even they harvest grapes by hand. In fact, Hacienda Monasterio carries out an organic viticulture, certified by (the Council of organic Farming of Castilla y León), and "biodynamic"* at the same time.

Located in the Ribera del Duero , in the valley of the Duero River , in what is known as the " Golden Mile" ( between Pesquera and Valbuena de Duero , in the province of Valladolid ) , the winery begins from their vineyards to make differences. Under the direction of its winemakers , Peter Sisseck the prestigious Danish , and the Spanish Carlos de la Fuente , it all starts when the plants go from the 2,200 per hectare average , at 4,000. It provokes that plants compite among them , and only the strongest fruit , and thus you get a low production ( 3,500 kg / Ha . ) but high quality.

The farm of 160 hectares is situated on a hillside , oriented north to south. There are 78 hectares of vineyards planted with mostly grapeTinta Fina( as Tempranillo grape is known in the area) , but also find Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot and Malbec , French grape varieties that are used to improve flavors.

Ribera del Duerois an area characterized by a climate dominated by dry summers and long, harsh winters with low rainfall ( 400-600 mm. Annually)With these assumptions they obtain very well cared wines , full of nuances , from the roasted and licorice , with ripe fruit and dairy. Wines improve as they are aerated , and both mouth and nose become a treat for the senses . Wines full of balance, made to like more or less depending on the sensory profile of the person who savor .

We consider ourselves lucky to taste various wines from the winery : Hacienda Monasterio 2010 , still has to improve in the bottle , but it denotes a great potential, 2009,more mature than the former, a 2008 Reserve, delicious, that shows us all the aromas and flavors of a wine produced with all the quality standards possible and affection of their winemakers , and finally an Hacienda Monasterio Reserva Especial 2009, that could be classified as excelent.

* Biodynamics has much in common with other organic approaches – it emphasizes the use of manures and compostsand excludes the use of artificial chemicals on soil and plants. Methods unique to the biodynamic approach include its treatment of animals, crops, and soil as a single system; an emphasis from its beginnings on local production and distribution systems; its use of traditional and development of new local breeds and varieties; and the use of an astrological sowing and planting calendar.