Shopping Cart
There are no more items in your cart
Rioja Alavesa
Contino "Don Vicente" Mazuelo
2019
Contino "Don Vicente" Mazuelo is the expression of one of our most prized varieties at Finca San Rafael, Mazuelo, which we care for with great care, so that each year it offers us the freshness, acidity and complexity that characterize the wines of Finca San Rafael Contino
Mazuelo is a long-cycle variety, which needs a long time to achieve optimum ripening and is also sensitive to most diseases. Therefore, climate and soil are key. These particularities are resolved in the exclusive vineyard of Finca San Rafael, where the necessary characteristics for its correct phenolic and technological maturity converge.
TimAtkin
92 Puntos
RP's Wine Advocate
91 Puntos
Peñín Guide
94 Puntos
Gourmet Guide
97 Puntos
Production Zone
Rioja Alavesa
Type of wine
Red
Winery
Vineyards of the Contino
Aging
Other Aging
Format
75cl
Grape variety used
100% Mazuelo
Limited Stock
LIMITED STOCK
Characteristics of the vineyard
Don Vicente is one of the most historic plots of Finca San Rafael, endowed with 18 hectares of different types of studied soils and varieties. It is a mosaic of vines, where the most characteristic variety is Mazuelo, planted on a stony soil in 1980.
Winemaking characteristics
Mazuelo is a long-cycle variety, which needs a long time to achieve optimum ripening and is also sensitive to most diseases. Therefore, climate and soil are key. These particularities are solved in the exclusive Finca San Rafael vineyard, where the necessary characteristics for its correct phenolic and technological maturity converge.
The best bunches of Mazuelo 2019 are harvested by hand in our Don Vicente plot to make this single varietal and extract its full potential. After destemming, the grapes undergo a cold pre-fermentation maceration of 24-48 hours until the alcoholic fermentation begins spontaneously, which is carried out in a raw concrete tank, with controlled temperature throughout the process and little pumping over. Malolactic fermentation also takes place spontaneously. Aging for 16 months in 100% French oak barrels, of which 80% is new and the remaining 20% is second use.
Harvest data
2019 has been a year marked by low rainfall, slightly below average. At the end of May there was rainfall that hindered fruit set in some varieties that were in full bloom. This, together with the plant's water stress, produced loose clusters and small berries.
Temperatures throughout the growing season reflect the fact that the winter was not very cold, but the summer was characterized by heat waves.
The Tempranillo was harvested on September 13 and the Graciano and Mazuelo were harvested 5 days later.
This season has been characterized by very favorable weather conditions throughout the harvest. It is expected to be a great vintage in terms of quality.
Tasting notes
A special wine for the Contino range, the finesse and friendliness of this variety at the San Rafael estate are enjoyed on the palate. Wine with a medium-high layer that makes it attractive at first sight.
Personality is the word that defines Mazuelo 2019 on the nose, its complexity and depth are enveloped by the soft notes of the wood chosen for the aging of this wine.
On the palate we find great finesse, a silky finish and a pleasant sensation of acidity. The volume envelops the palate, and disappears in the mouth leaving a silky sensation due to its tannins and elegance typical of the vintage we are in.
Tap to zoom
