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Mar 13, 2013: “Small-production” and “Estate” on a label usually come at a “Boutique” price, but this is an incredible value from an organically-farmed small-production estate in the Ribera del Duero. With minimal winemaking the Quiñón Estate is elevating the identity of Spain’s noble grape! We are very excited to offer it to you…
TASTING NOTES: “A sensational value from Ribera del Duero (which rarely produces interesting wines for under $25), the 2011 Barco de Piedra is 100% Tempranillo aged five months in a combination of French and American oak (85% and 15% respectively), all three-year-old used barrels. It exhibits notes of flowers, licorice, new saddle leather, black currants and cherries. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, complex and on a fast maturity curve, it should be consumed over the next 2-3 years.” – 91 Points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
“Barco de Piedra is an affirmation of the beauty and purity of the Tempranillo grape as it is grown in Ribera del Duero. The noble Tempranillo grape called Tinto Fino or Tinta del País by locals, has suffered from producers who like to use excessive “make up,” too much new oak or winemaking technique, which obscures the identity of the grape. The logic behind Barco de Piedra is simple: the Tempranillo grape grown in Ribera del Duero has plenty of tannins, you don’t need to add more, which is precisely what thoughtless oak aging will do. The grape’s thick skin naturally produces powerful, robust wines packed with flavor. Adding more power and oak to something already powerful is overkill. The three parcels that produce Barco de Piedra are located on the hillside of the Quiñón Estate. Raspberry and violet aromas with rose petal, blueberry and mineral notes make this wine. Barco de Piedra is one of the prettiest examples of the elegance and structure of Ribera del Duero, one of the great wine regions of the world.”
MORE REVIEWS:
“(100% tempranillo, aged for five months in 3-year-old French and American oak barrels): Bright purple. Aromas and flavors of black and blue fruits, licorice and cracked pepper show full ripeness. Lush, creamy and fat, with a velvety texture and alluring sweetness. Finishes juicy and long, with fine-grained tannins adding grip.” – 90 points, By Josh Raynolds Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
