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www.buyersandcellars.ca Cellar Profile
In 1990, husband and wife team Julin López and María José Peidro purchased an established vineyard in the Requena-Utiel region of Valencia in south-eastern Spain. Shortly thereafter, when their extensive studies identified that their terroir was similar to that of many of the French vineyards they frequently visited as a family, they planted several international grape varieties. Today, the Chozas Carrascal vineyard is comprised of 14 plots sitting at 750-840m above sea-level on a thick slab of limestone-based subsoil, distinctive within the region. Their climate is significantly more continental than the rest of the D.O.P., with hot, dry summer days and cool, fresh nights. The winery’s uniqueness was recognized in 2012 when it was awarded ‘Vino de Pago’ status, meaning the winery is its own D.O., separate, distinct and at the top of the Spanish wine hierarchy. To date, there are 20 Vino de Pago properties in the country, each one representing a singular identity that combines the best of tradition and modernity. The 30-hectare vineyard at Chozas Carrascal is planted with 12 grape varieties split between local, indigenous grapes—Bobal, Monastrell, Garnacha, Tempranillo and Macabeo—and widely-recognized French examples: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. These vineyards are farmed and certified organic and the wines exhibit elegant structure, intense, complex character and, most importantly, delicious drinkability.
Region
Utiel-Requena is a Spanish Denominación de Origen Protegida for wines located in the province of Valencia. It takes its name from the two neighbouring towns of Utiel and Requena and is renowned for the predominant use of the Bobal grape variety. Although these wines are moderately contemporary, the region is anything but. Traces of Phoenician amphorae suggest viticulture and wine production here date at least as far back as the 7th century BC.
Vineyard
Chozas Carrascal has been daring in its viticulture approach, planting its vines at a density of 1,335/acre (3,300/ha), far denser than any vineyards nearby. This forces vines to compete for water and nutrients and drives yields down. The vineyards grow on a slight slope. Sunlight, cool coastal breezes and loamy, chalky soil all contribute to the quality of the wines produced. The El-Aljibe plot has an East-west layout, with dense plantings to encourage vine stress.
Varieties
Garnacha is one of the most widely planted red wine grape varieties in the world. It ripens late, so it needs hot, dry conditions such as those found in Spain, where it is believed to have originated. It is generally spicy, berry-flavoured and soft on the palate and it produces wine with a relatively high alcohol content. It is also particularly suited to crafting fine rosés, as the skins are thin and the berries large, imparting light colour without tannic grip.
Winemaking
Harvested the first week of September, early in the morning to take advantage of the low temperatures. Using only the free run must for winemaking and discarding the subsequent press fractions, direct pressing was carried out at low temperature, macerating only during the pressing period, thus obtaining a cleaner must, both in colour and aromas. Fermentation at a controlled temperature, below 18ºC, preventing malolactic fermentation to preserve freshness. After this, a short aging process is carried out in stainless steel tanks with the fine lees for added complexity.
Tasting Notes
A drier style of rosé, with brilliant, mouthwatering acidity. This is balanced and fresh, with bright red berry notes on the nose and palate, accompanied by a great streak of minerality. Some subtle herbaceous notes and a hint of red licorice on the zesty finish. The perfect patio sipper, or enjoy with grilled shrimp brochettes.