Iglesia Vieja Reserva (2003)
Bodegas La Purísima
68% Mataró | 21% Cabernet Sauvignon | 11% Tempranillo
Yecla, Spain
Mataró is the predominant grape in this Spanish reserva. Prior to picking up this wine I was unaware of such a grape, but a quick search revealed that it is in fact a grape I know - Mourvèdre, more commonly known in Spain as Monastrell. This grape variety produces full bodied, deep, tannic but peppery wines and is commonly found in the wine regions of Southern France. For a full list of Mourvèdre's many aliases, check here: Mourvèdre Synonyms
The blend of this wine, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo is well balanced. Being a Reserva or Reserve, the wine is required to spend at least three years aging, one of which is to be in oak casks. American oak was used for 12 months, followed by an additional 2 years of bottle aging before release. Unfortunately, because of varying laws between the wine producing regions of the world the term "Reserve" does not always have the same definition when printed on a bottle.
Appearance: Clear, medium intensity showing garnet with a soft ruby tinge. Text is clearly legible through the wine.
Nose: Clean nose with medium intensity, developed aromas of black fruit, spice, and oak. Upper aromas of soft cherry and integrated wood from ageing. Deeper levels of black currant, black cherry, pepper, and licorice. Oak aromas include vanilla and cinnamon.
Palate: Dry wine with bright, cranberry-like acidity and medium tannin. Full bodied with medium plus intense flavors of black cherry, black pepper, walnut, and tobacco. Slight vegetal flavors on the finish with lingering spice.
The Yecla DO is located about 130 km southwest of Valencia, and is part of the larger Levant region in southeastern Spain. While Monastrell is the primary grape variety grown here others may include Airen, Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah along with other local varieties.
The Iglesia Vieja (literally "Old Church"), an important landmark found in Yecla's Plaza Mayor, is the namesake of this wine and is depicted on the label.
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This is certainly a bold and beefy red, and probably best paired with a solid meal. I'd also be keen to have some quality sharp cheddar along with this. I really like the combination of grapes in this, and you can pull a lot of key aromas and flavors from each one - pepper from the Mourvèdre, currant from the C.S., and cherry and cranberry from the lighter Tempranillo. I think this wine has a lot going on for it, and will definitely be even better in years to come.
Cheers!
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