Cubillo

Spain
Rioja
2016

This vineyard is two miles away from the winery at an altitude of 1,348 feet above sea level; the vines are an average age of 40 years of age. The soil is from the terciaria age, composed of clay and limestone.  The surface is 24 hectares, and is planted to Tempranillo, Garnacho, Mazuelo and Graciano.  Historically the wines from that vineyard were called "Special Harvest", but is now the source of their Viña Cubillo.

65% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacho, 10% Graciano, and Mazuelo. Spontaneous fermentation in large oak vats and aged for three years. Racked twice per year and at least 3 years in bottle before released. 

 

94 points
""It could be a Gran Reserva," says María José López de Heredia of a wine that is always sold as a Crianza, partly for historic reasons. Picked late in a cooler vintage, it partners Tempranillo with 20% Garnacha, and 5% each of Graciano and Mazuelo. Earthy, stemmy yet refreshing, it has negligible oak, racy redcurrant and pomegranate fruit and savoury tannins. 2024-29"
Tim Atkin,
Tim Atkin
Special Rioja Report 2024
94 points
"The 2016 Viña Cubillo Tinto Crianza was surprising, spectacular, elegant, clean and fresh like few vintages before. It was a superb year, with quality, quantity and freshness. It's quite the opposite from the previous 2015, which was a much warmer and riper year. The 2016s have moderate alcohol and especially the perception of less ripeness (even though the alcohol is very similar). It feels very young, still quite primary. Mercedes explained, "Cubillas, a 24-hectare plot, is a vineyard that could produce Gran Reserva wines. It's a very good vineyard, but we would miss the Crianza in our range". In fact, the comment was that this vintage is even a challenge for the Viña Tondonia red "because of its price." It is indeed a bargain. "But it doesn't have the finesse of Tondonia," concluded María José. Anyway, it's super tasty. 92,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2022."
Luis Gutiérrez,
Wine Advocate
Feb 29, 2024

SKU/Code: 
DB0248-16
Product Line: 
Wine
Red
Varietal: 
Tempranillo
Farming Type: 
Sustainable