Friday, December 13, 2024

Tinedo Cala N.1 Casilla. Embodying the essence of an almost unknown Mancha.

Tinedo Cala N.1 (Vin de la Tierra Castilla) 2018, 14.5% ABV  Price: €15.00 at Matsons (Bandon, Grange, Youghal)


"embodying the essence of an almost unknown Mancha"

The colour of this wine from Castilla, Spain, is a dark ruby, transitioning to a lighter earthy red at the rim. The nose is outstanding and intense, featuring aromatic notes of cherry and strawberry. This impressive and well-rounded wine has a velvety mouthfeel. It is powerful yet well-balanced, making it a gem that is Very Highly Recommended. Incredible value at this price.

This wine is certified organic, as indicated by the Demeter sticker on the back of the bottle. It is crafted from a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 15% Syrah, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon (according to the producer’s website). They add: “We only use grapes from Finca Tinedo itself. It is a terroir wine, where all the original vines share the same climate, soil, natural nutrients, and care conditions, resulting in unique and stable flavours and nuances from each harvest.”

CALA N.1 “has been aged in concrete tanks, which help retain the grapes’ freshness and preserve the floral and red fruit aromas. This method results in a balanced and well-structured wine, highlighting the qualities of the terroir and showcasing the authenticity of a single-vineyard wine with personality.” I wholeheartedly agree with this assessment.

La Mancha is well known for its association with the famous author Cervantes (1547-1616) and is less recognized for its wines. Finca Tinedo is one of the oldest wineries in La Mancha. Since 1846, this family-owned winery has exclusively produced single-vineyard and single-plot wines, embodying “the essence of an almost unknown Mancha.” 



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