Las Moradas de San Martín - 'Las Moradas' - Garnacha - Sierra de Gredos, ES - 2013

The vineyards of Las Moradas may be the largest single contiguous estate of old vine Garnacha vineyards in the Sierra de Gredos as the estate was assembled in the mid-1990s from 26 small parcels that had previously been abandoned. The estate is about two miles from San Martin de Valdeiglesias on the top of a "hill" (at an elevation of around 3,000 feet) with perfect sun exposure all day long (most Sierra de Gredos vineyards face east and only get morning sun). Across the estate there are vines ranging in age from 40 years to over 100 years old.
Tasting Notes
Initio is from the parcels of Montazgo, San Martín, and Centenera within the estate and all vines are at least 60 years of age and vines in some of the parcels are over 100 years old. The wine is aged for 14 months in a combination of 30% new oak barrels and 70% used oak barrels. Aromas are of dark cherries, dark plums, and Asian spices. Flavors include dark fruits such as dark cherries, blackberries, and blueberries along with hints of dark chocolate. There is a medium to full body, perfect balance and acidity, and a full refreshing and minerally finish.
Food Pairings

Food pairings would include filet mignon, New York steak, rib eye, short ribs, beef stew, veal scallopine, pork chops, wild boar, elk, grilled chicken, pasta with meat sauce, Asian & Mexican beef, pork, and chicken dishes, lamb curry, tandoori dishes, charcuterie, and mild to medium cheeses.

The vineyards of Las Moradas may be the largest single contiguous estate of old vine Garnacha vineyards in the Sierra de Gredos as the estate was assembled in the mid-1990s from 26 small parcels that had previously been abandoned. The estate is about two miles from San Martin de Valdeiglesias on the top of a "hill" (at an elevation of around 3,000 feet) with perfect sun exposure all day long (most Sierra de Gredos vineyards face east and only get morning sun). Across the estate there are vines ranging in age from 40 years to over 100 years old.

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The estate is also inside the SPA 56 (Special Protection Area for birds), a surrounding landscape of great environmental value thanks to its native flora and fauna. These surroundings are a natural breathing space, with a very clean atmosphere that is maintained by using only natural products (organic fertilizer with manure, grape stems, etc.) in the vineyards. The terrain itself is spectacular with a mixture of ancient granitic sand, gravel, and rock outcroppings from its prime location in the Sierra de Gredos.
The wines are produced with a combination of state of the art wine making equipment but also while respecting traditions with completely manual work in the vineyards. There are low yields per hectare, seeking a balance between the vines and maximum respect for the Garnacha grapes. The harvest is completely manual, without breaking the grapes or oxidizing the must, and without damaging the Garnacha vines and with a greater degree of selection. The contiguous estate also ensures freshness and high quality as most Sierra de Gredos wines are sourced from very dispersed small parcels all through the mountainous area and transit times between vineyards and a winery can be one to two hours versus minutes on the Las Moradas estate.

The final part of the inspired transition between old vine Garnacha and very expressive and authentic wines is Isabel Galindo who has been winemaker since 2002. Devoted to the vineyard landscape and a lover of Garnacha, Isabel was one of the pioneers of the rediscovery of the Sierra de Gredos. With a combination of brilliance and creativity, Isabel understands the characteristics of every parcel on the estate. From the nutrient poor pure granite soils and low yields, she is creating very elegant and balanced wines with minimal intervention - and where the old vine Garnacha grapes are always the star of the show.