Bodegas Marta Maté Viñas del Lago Ribera del Duero DO 2019

Wine Type:
Style of Wine:	Earthy & Spicy
Country of Origin:	Spain
Wine Region:	Castile and León
Appellation:	Ribera del Duero
Grape Varietal:	Tempranillo and Garnacha
Bottle Format:	750mL
Case Size:	6 bottles
$235.20 Per Case ($39.20/btl)

Tasting Notes

The inspiration for the winery started in 2008, with Marta Castrillo and César Maté who had been successfully making a limited production wine (Primordium) from the Gumiel de Mercado vineyard. But faced with a region that has over 302 wineries, producing over 2000 brands of wine, from mostly (85%) machine-harvested vineyards, they felt it was vital to differentiate themselves from this reality by pursuing three guiding principles: Location, Biodiversity, and Minimal Intervention.

The vineyards are located in the northernmost reaches of the Ribera del Duero DO, at an altitude above 900m (the average altitude in R.D. is 800m), which together with unique edaphological characteristics define the terroir, favour the health of the vines, and protect them from pests and diseases.

They practice ecological viticulture, by promoting the life of microorganisms that live in the soil. Soil compaction is avoided (horse-drawn implements instead of tractors), as is the use of biocides or chemical fertilizers. While the average yield for R.D. is 5,400 kg/Ha, the maximum yield at Bodegas Marta Maté is 3,500 kg/Ha.

Working only with Tinto Fino grapes, that are hand-harvested and collected in traditional 12kg baskets, the aim is to preserve the physical qualities and expression of the grapes and the vineyards they come from. The crushed grapes flow by gravity into 10,000 litre conical tanks to concentrate the natural flavours of the grapes. Fermentation uses indigenous yeasts, and with a very low and controlled addition of sulphur dioxide (s a blend of 88% Tinto Fino, 7% Garnacha, and 5% Albillo - the juice is kept on the skins for 8 days in cement tanks. The wine ages for 12 months in French oak barrique (90%) and American oak barrels; the final assembly in concrete tanks. Not cold stabilized. ~12,000 bottles produced.

Our Tasting Note: Deep ruby/violet, with purple tinges. Aromas and flavours of red fruits - cherry, raspberry - and plum, with notes of violets, and vanilla spice. Medium-bodied, structured, balanced acidity, and a persistent finish. 14% alc./vol. RS 1.47 gr./L.

Pairing Suggestions: Pair with meat dishes (grilled or roasted), richer seafood/fish like grilled tuna or salmon, grilled vegetable dishes, and mature cheeses.

Critical Praise