Bastarda

Spain
Galicia
2020

Known as Merenzao in Valdeorras and across the border in Portugal as Bastardo, this variety originates from the foothills of the Alps, where it is known as Trousseau. A difficult grape to reach full ripeness in the Jura,  plantings of Trousseau there are fairly modest. In the relatively warmer climate of Ribeira Sacra, it is more successful, which explains why there is a fair amount planted in this corner of the Iberian peninsula.

The wine is 100% Bastarda grown from 20-70 year old vines in Granite, Schist soils (350-650m elevation). Grapes are hand harvested, left whole cluster and fermented using natural yeasts in stainless steel tanks. 40-60 day Maceration/Pigeage and then aged for 7 months in 300-500L oak barrels. 

 

95+ points
"I tasted three vintages of the Bastarda/Trousseau varietal bottling to catch up with past vintages, starting with the older 2020 Bastarda that fermented with full clusters and had a long maceration and then matured in well-seasoned 500-liter French oak barrels. It has a medium body and 12% alcohol, a more developed color, with orange tints, open and nuanced, with notes of wild strawberries and herbs, perfumed and delicious. It has the austere minerality in the palate, with vibrant acid berries, with nice development. It's evolving nicely and feels ready now; it's approachable and easy to drink. Delicious today. 5,500 bottles were produced. It was bottled in June 2021."
Luis Gutiérrez,
Wine Advocate
Spain: Galicia 2023–2024 Releases

SKU/Code: 
DB3464-20
Product Line: 
Wine
Red
Varietal: 
Bastardo
Farming Type: 
Organic