Valdemar Balcon de Pilatos Maturana 2020
Balcón de Pilatos is one of our most iconic vineyards and is a prime site for growing a very distinctive, violet-scented Maturana, a grape variety that was lost in Rioja due to phylloxera during 1920-30. This exclusive and minority grape was rediscovered in 35 strains found in a vineyard over 100 years old. After studying the variety in different areas, in 2001 we decided to plant Maturana in our 8.2-hectare Balcón de Pilatos vineyard, located at 500 meters in Rioja Alavesa, overlooking three terraces in Oyón, Logroño and the Sierra de Cantabria. Its altitude, as well as its climatic and soil conditions, make it perfect for the cultivation of this enigmatic and rare variety that shines every time a bottle is opened.
Red cherry colour with violet hues, of a very high intensity. Complex and intense aroma of ripe black fruit with fine notes of spices, liquorice, graphite and cedar. Distinctive character of the grape variety. Smooth entry, without edges and with nerve. Reminiscences of liquorice and well-integrated toasty notes. Structured, fullbfull-bodiedodied, very long and elegant.
A great match for meats, especially lamb chops, rib eye steak, braised beef ribs and filet mignon. An ideal partner for stews, cured and semi-cured cheeses, cold meats, ahi-tuna, and grilled mushrooms.