2020 Martue Evolution Tempranillo

Taste: This charming red wine from Castilla-La Mancha is a vivid expression of high-altitude Spanish Tempranillo. The wine opens with focused aromas of black cherry, red currant, and blackberry, layered with subtle notes of forest floor, mushroom, and lightly toasted oak. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with a mineral core reminiscent of river stone that supports ripe dark fruit and hints of dry cocoa. Firm, dry tannins and lively acidity give the wine structure and freshness, leading to a clean, persistent finish.

Pairing: This is a balanced, character-driven Tempranillo best enjoyed with roasted meats, slow-cooked stews, or grilled pork and beef. In general, wines made from Tempranillo make versatile dinner companions, pairing successfully with everything from lasagna, pizza, BBQ, and chile rellenos to taco night, burgers off the grill, and corn-based dishes.

About: Martúe is one of the most exciting wineries to have emerged from the up-and-coming wine region of Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain, producing high-quality wines at accessible prices for everyday drinking. Martúe was the dream of Fausto Gonzalez, who planted vines in 1990 near La Guardia de Toledo, just southeast of the city of Toledo. In 2009 the estate earned the prestigious and rare designation of DO Pago Campo de La Guardia due to its location in a special enclave with complex soils at 850m elevation at the convergence of two tectonic plates near the Tagus River in central Spain.

Vinification – Grapes were harvested at night and as quickly as possible. Spontaneous alcoholic fermentation with native yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Natural malolactic fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks. Once the wine complets malolactic fermentation, it matures in used 225L French barrels of different cooperages for three months. Fined with bentonite before bottling (bentonite=clay, this wine is also vegan).