A mostly Tempranillo wine from Castilla la Mancha, with a fifth of Shiraz, fashioned to an exuberant expression of the Spanish style. Spicy by name and nature, Picante is a rich, generously flavoured red wine with spirited varietal fruit and resonating tannins. Built around a core of intensely flavoured Tempranillo, which provides structure and fine tannin balance, a component of choice Shiraz contributes middle palate weight, spiced plum compexity and supple textures. A portion of declassified Rioja Tempranillo adds complexity and length.
The wines of Rioja in northeast Spain share a history which dates back to the Phoenicians. Tempranillo is a native of Rioja and the major red varietal of the region. An early ripening grape, it traditionally makes full bodied, food friendly wines with firm structure. Following harvest, parcels are completely destemmed before a cool maceration followed by a controlled fermentation. Processed to a vino joven or young wine styling, the majority of parts are matured whilst still on gross lees solids to retain vibrancy. A minor component is treated to carbonic maceration which achieves a spritely texture and revives the fruit. A smaller parcel is transferred to a selection of well seasoned oak barrels for a term of age.
Dark rich red colour. An expansive nose showing bright, ripe berry aromas and dusty spice. The palate is lively and vibrantly fruit driven, bursting with a rush of juicy, supple red berry flavours supported by fine grained tannins. A remarkable forward drinking wine with excellent structure, superb length and splendid varietal complexity. Picante Espana is all about vivid and unrestrained fruit flavours.
