Jesús Acha Blanco 2016
The relationship between the man and the vineyard, a homage to a life devoted to viticulture.
Vineyard
0.47 ha plot located in Cárdenas (Rioja’s Alto Najerilla), planted in the year 1912 on an old 1.60 x 1.60-meter planting frame. Vineyard where a mixture of many white and red varieties (about half and half) coexists on ferrous clay soil with conglomerate rock.
Harvest
It was harvested by hand on September 29.
Winemaking
Maceration of entire bunches for 24 hours to achieve greater aromatic richness and fullness in the mouth. Subsequent maceration for six hours with the skins and then pressed. Static debourage by decantation and racking to remove the lees. Fermentation is spontaneous with the native yeasts of the grape, at a low temperature (between 16 and 18 degrees). In the final part of the fermentation, the wine is transferred into a clay jar and French oak “bocoy” or large barrel.
Varietals
Viura mainly and small percentages of Malvasía, Jaina, Garnacha Blanca and other varieties.
Alcohol content
14% Vol.
Aging
Aged for 18 months, one half in a clay pot and the other in a French oak “bocoy”.
Tasting notes
Visual
Golden yellow color, medium-high intensity, the result of its prolonged stay in the bottle. Very bright, with lively green reminiscences, showing its intrinsic energy.
Nose
High aromatic intensity and great complexity, the result of the evolution of the Alto Najerilla fresh character over time. A background salinity, present in these old vines, is intertwined with sweeter, more affable and creamier notes on attack. The more ethereal aromas of chamomile and white flowers are combined with deeper and darker root notes, expressing that spirit of spring, while retaining its sense of roots in an area of such tradition.
Palate
Its immense unctuousness and affable character are immediately noticeable, with the great length conferred by this intrinsic freshness. The combination of amphora and “bocoy” during aging, blends the minerality of clay with the nobility of wood, resulting in a wine with a surprising texture, as well as intense and pleasant tactile sensations. It combines the essence that the ancient vineyard possesses with tremendous complexity and a profound sense of balance. Its sensations in the mouth are constantly driven by that acidity, which gives it a personality reflecting eternity.
97 points
Decanter World Wine Awards 2023. 2016 vintage.
