Bodegas LECEA Corazon De Lago Red Wine 2023
Bodega LECEA represented by EpicureVin

Bodegas LECEA Corazon De Lago Red Wine 2023

"Very unique wine - either you love it or you hate it - there is no in between" - Estela LECEA

SUMMARY: "Corazón de Lago" or "Heart of the Lake" is made from selected grapes from vineyards over 25 years old. Its production is totally handmade: the grapes are deposited whole in the press and after about fifteen days the grapes are treading as they were 100 years ago and then the process is finished with the pressing of the press. From the 20,000 kg of grapes harvested, about 4,000 bottles of selected wine are obtained that are marketed under the name "Corazón de Lago".

169,00 DKK

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

YEAR: 2023

ALCOHOL: 15.0%.

GRAPE VARIETY: Tempranillo 100%.

CLASSIFICATION: Signature Wine.

CORK: Natural cork 45mm.

AGE OF THE VINEYARD: Over 25 years of age.

ELABORATION: The Corazon De Lago is a testament to the traditional winemaking techniques passed down through generations at Bodegas LECEA. Our parents meticulously hand-harvested the Tempranillo grapes at optimal ripeness, ensuring they arrived at the winery's stone lago (lake) intact and unblemished.
The grapes were then left to ferment naturally in the lago for 15 days. Following this extended maceration, three workers gently foot-trod the grapes, softly extracting color, tannins and flavor from the skins while fully expressing the Tempranillo's vibrant character.
The free-run juice was drained from the lago before the remaining grape must was pressed using a traditional hand-operated trujal (basket press). This labor-intensive process, rarely seen today, showcases the family's unwavering commitment to crafting authentic, expressive wines that capture the essence of their local terroir and the artisanal spirit of yesteryear.
The result is a lively, fruit-driven red that pays homage to the ancestral techniques and collective wisdom passed down through the generations at Bodegas LECEA. Corazon De Lago is a heartfelt representation of the family's deep roots and steadfast dedication to producing characterful wines that express a true sense of place.

TASTING NOTES

VISUAL PHASE:The Corazon De Lago pours an intense, vibrant cherry red in the glass. A striking violet rim showcases the wine's youthful character and lively personality. Swirling the glass reveals the wine's impressive concentration, as evidenced by the cascading "tears" or "legs" that continuously run down the sides - a testament to the Tempranillo's rich texture and depth of flavor. The wine's captivating appearance invites the drinker to explore its enticing aromatics and savor each sip of this expressive, terroir-driven red.

OLFACTORY PHASE: It boasts an intensely aromatic profile, with vibrant red fruits like ripe cherries, raspberries, and strawberries leaping from the glass. Delicate floral notes of violet and rose petal add an enticing layer of complexity to this youthful Tempranillo's expressive bouquet.

TASTE PHASE: A boldly distinctive wine that commands attention from the first sip. Generous and assertive in the mouth, it shows an unctuous character that immediately challenges conventional expectations. The wine unfolds with a rich, polarizing intensity that showcases its uncompromising personality - a testament to LECEA's daring winemaking philosophy. Smooth yet authoritative tannins provide a complex structure while maintaining a sophisticated mouthfeel. The flavors build with conviction, revealing layers that demand contemplation. A wine of contrasts, it presents both power and finesse through its persistent finish, leaving an unforgettable impression that, as many note, either captivates completely or challenges deeply - there is no middle ground. Its distinctive character makes it a true conversation piece among wine enthusiasts.

SERVING TEMPERATURE: Between 14°C and 16°C.

GASTRONOMY: The Corazon De Lago's vibrant fruit character and lively acidity make it a versatile companion for a wide array of dishes. This youthful Tempranillo pairs beautifully with both white and red meats, from roasted chicken and grilled pork chops to succulent lamb kebabs. Its bright, fruity profile complements hearty roasts, such as a classic beef tenderloin or a slow-cooked pork shoulder.
For a true taste of Spanish cuisine, enjoy this wine alongside a selection of traditional tapas. The Corazon De Lago's lively personality is a perfect match for savory bites like jamón ibérico, chorizo al vino, patatas bravas, and gambas al ajillo.
The wine's fruity character and balanced structure also make it an excellent choice for a cheese board. Try pairing it with aged Manchego, Idiazabal, or a creamy Queso de Cabra to experience the delightful interplay between the wine's red fruit notes and the cheeses' rich, savory flavors.

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How to Taste and Truly Understand Wine?

Tasting wine is an art that involves all your senses, offering a journey of discovery. Here are four key steps to guide you:

  • The Visual Experience (Visual Phase) - Color, Clarity, Cleaneness of wine, "Wine Legs"...
  • The Aroma (Olfactory Phase) - Bring the glass to your nose and take a deep breath...
  • The Taste (Palate Phase) - Take a sip and let the wine flow across your palate...
  • The Grape Variety: The Soul of the Wine - Grape varieties are regarded among the most crucial elements in differentiating wines...

At EpicureVin, we believe tasting wine should be as enjoyable as discovering its story. Each bottle we offer invites you to embark on a sensory journey, uncovering hidden gems that make every sip memorable.

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The Visual Experience (Visual Phase)

Begin by examining the wine in your glass. Observe its color - is it pale straw, golden, ruby, or deep purple? Notice its clarity - a clear, bright wine often signals quality. Swirl the glass gently, watching its transparency and how it catches the light. Each of these visual cues can hint at the wine’s age, grape variety, or even its origin!

Pay attention to the wine legs - the streaks that form on the inside of the glass after swirling. While they don’t indicate quality, they can reveal the wine’s alcohol and sugar content. Watching how the legs form and flow offers clues about the wine's richness and body, enhancing your appreciation before the first sip.

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The Aroma (Olfactory Phase)

Bring the glass to your nose and take a deep breath. Start broad - what families of aromas can you identify?
For white wines: Do you notice citrus, tropical, or orchard fruits?
For red wines: Are the aromas leaning towards red fruits, blue fruits, or darker black fruits?
Avoid overanalyzing at first; let the scents unfold naturally. As you grow familiar, you’ll start recognizing subtler notes like spices, herbs, or even earthy tones that reveal the wine's character.

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The Taste (Palate Phase)

Take a sip and let the wine flow across your palate. Notice how it interacts with different parts of your mouth:

  • Is it vibrant and zesty, or rich and smooth?
  • Does it feel balanced, with flavors lingering elegantly after you swallow?

A great wine tells its story through texture, structure, and harmony - this is what elevates the experience.

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The Grape Variety: The Soul of the Wine

Every wine begins with a grape, and its variety is the key to understanding its personality. In Rioja, Spain, a region renowned for its winemaking tradition, there are five red grape varieties and nine white grape varieties that form the foundation of its exceptional wines.

The red grapes include Tempranillo, the backbone of Rioja reds, known for its balance and elegance; Garnacha Tinta, offering bold fruitiness; Graciano, prized for its intensity and structure; Mazuelo (also known as Carignan), adding vibrant acidity; and Maturana Tinta, a lesser-known variety with a unique earthy character.

For white wines, Rioja showcases Viura (or Macabeo), celebrated for its fresh and floral notes; Malvasía, with its aromatic richness; Garnacha Blanca, offering citrus and herbal nuances; Tempranillo Blanco, a rare mutation of the red Tempranillo; Maturana Blanca, one of the region's oldest varieties; Turruntés, not to be confused with the Argentine grape; Chardonnay, bringing international appeal; Sauvignon Blanc, adding crispness; and Verdejo, contributing vibrant flavors and minerality.

EpicureVin is here to help you the exploration of these grape varieties, where you will be able to unlock the secrets behind Rioja's rich diversity of flavors and textures, discovering wines that capture the soul of this historic region.

A Legacy of Passion and Dreams

Passion for Family

Since 1583, our family’s dedication has been the heart of our winemaking, passed down through generations.

Passion for the Earth

Nurtured by the clay-limestone soils that have supported our growth, we honor the land that gives us its best year after year.

Passion for Wine

Every bottle we create holds three essential elements: the warmth of the sun, the richness of the earth, and the craftsmanship of the winemaker.

Passion for the Origins

Proud to be one of Spain’s most celebrated wineries in the Art and Culture category, we remain deeply rooted in our heritage.

Passion for Dreams

Life is made of simple joys, and wine is one of them. Let’s embark on this extraordinary journey together, with EpicureVin and Familia Valdelana, where every sip tells a story.

FAMILIA VALDELANA

Savor Tradition and Innovation in Every Sip

At Bodegas LECEA, we take pride in crafting wines that embody the essence of our heritage and the innovation of modern winemaking. From our own meticulously tended vineyards, we select the oldest vines to create our most exceptional wines.

What sets us apart is the seamless blend of tradition and technology. Our wines benefit from advanced techniques like controlled-temperature fermentation and automated pumping over, while staying true to time-honored practices. Deep within our 16th-century underground cellars, we preserve and age our wines with the utmost care.

A true highlight is our "Corazón de Lago," a carbonic maceration wine born from history itself. Produced using an ancient stone press and lovingly trodden by foot, it captures the spirit of artisanal winemaking.

Now, thanks to EpicureVin and Bodegas LECEA, you can experience these extraordinary wines in the comfort of your home. Raise a glass and celebrate the passion, tradition, and innovation poured into every bottle.

BODEGAS LECEA

A Vision Rooted in Sustainability and Excellence

At Bodegas FINCA BARRONTE, our unwavering commitment to excellence drives everything we do. Since 2020, we have embraced organic farming, producing wines free from residue while enhancing the resilience of our vineyards and refining the tasting notes of our creations.

Nestled in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, between Villabuena de Álava and Samaniego, our estate spans nine hectares of clay-limestone soils, home to Tempranillo, Graciano, Viura, and Malvasia vines. This unique terroir, coupled with our dedication to low-yield farming and ecological responsibility, allows us to craft wines of unparalleled character and quality.

From our modern yet tradition-honoring winery, with its innovative three-level design, to our commitment to renewable energy and sustainable practices, we strive to safeguard the future of our land. With eight distinct wines, each offering its own story, we invite you to join Bodegas FINCA BARRONTE and EpicureVin in celebrating a shared passion for sustainability, heritage, and exceptional wine.

JOSE BASOCO