VI-VE (Carbonic Maceration) Red Wine 2023

Familia Valdelana represented by EpicureVin

VI-VE (Carbonic Maceration) Red Wine 2023

Name: VI-VE (Carbonic Maceration) Red Wine 2023
Brand: Familia Valdelana represented by EpicureVin
SKU: Vi-VeLaLlavedeLosSuenosRioja2023
Price: 129.0 DKK
Availability: InStock

VI-VE La Llave de Los Suenos Rioja (Carbonic Maceration) 2023 D.O.Ca RIOJA

SUMMARY: It is an artisanal wine crafted using the traditional carbonic maceration technique, where whole bunches of grapes are fermented without crushing. This process preserves the vibrant fruit character, resulting in a wine that is full of life and freshness. Named in tribute to the local farmers, the VI-VE initials are featured on tractor and trailer license plates in the Álava region, symbolizing the deep connection to the land and its heritage. This village wine embodies a return to origins with a focus on minimal oenological intervention, allowing the true expression of the Tempranillo and Viura grapes to shine through. A wine that celebrates both tradition and innovation, offering a pure reflection of Rioja’s roots.

129,00 DKK

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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

YEAR: 2023

ALCOHOL: 14.5%.

GRAPE VARIETY: Tempranillo and Viura.

CLASSIFICATION: Young Wine.

CORK: Natural cork 45mm.

AGE OF THE VINEYARD: Over 40 years of age.

SOIL: Calcareous clay.

CLIMATE: Mediterranean with Atlantic influence.

ELABORATION: VI-VE La Llave de Los Suenos Rioja 2023 is crafted using the traditional method of carbonic maceration, a technique that ferments whole bunches of Tempranillo and Viura grapes without crushing them. This process allows the grapes to ferment naturally, preserving the purity of the fruit's flavors and aromas. The fermentation occurs in closed tanks to facilitate the intracellular fermentation, which results in a wine with bright fruit character and a smooth texture. This minimal intervention approach is a nod to the artisanal style of winemaking, with the goal of letting the grapes' true expression shine through. The name VI-VE, which is derived from the license plates of tractors and trailers in Álava, reflects the wine's roots in the land and a tribute to the local farmers. The wine embodies a sense of place and heritage, offering a pure and unembellished reflection of the Rioja region.

TASTING NOTES

VISUAL PHASE: The wine showcases an intense cherry red color, with vibrant violet rims that highlight its youthful and expressive nature. Its high layer adds depth and visual appeal, suggesting a wine that is rich in both color and character.

OLFACTORY PHASE: The nose is intensely aromatic, offering a fresh bouquet of red fruits, particularly strawberries, complemented by the vibrant scents of berries like raspberries and blackberries. There are also subtle floral notes that add elegance, while balsamic undertones and a lingering hint of liquorice provide complexity and depth to the overall aromatic profile.

TASTE PHASE: The wine offers an energetic entry on the palate, bursting with vibrant fruit character. It is tasty and intense, with a well-integrated acidity that adds balance and freshness. The wine's texture is soft and smooth, leading to a sweet, pleasant aftertaste that lingers, leaving a delightful and inviting finish.

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

GASTRONOMY: This young and fruity wine is a perfect match for light tapas and charcuterie, such as jamón ibérico or chorizo. Its vibrant red fruit profile also pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, including peppers, eggplant, and zucchini, as well as tomato-based dishes like pasta arrabbiata or a classic Mediterranean salad. The wine’s fresh acidity and soft tannins also complement mild cheeses, such as goat cheese or manchego, and can even elevate a simple pizza margherita. For a more contemporary pairing, enjoy it with smoked salmon or sushi, where the fruity freshness of the wine enhances the delicate flavors of the fish. Serve at 14-16°C to fully appreciate its freshness and balance. This slightly cooler temperature allows the wine’s aromatic profile to shine, enhancing its lively and fruit-forward character.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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