2019 Finca Villacreces Nebro

The Finca Villacreces is an old abbey located on the “Golden Mile” along the river Duero in the designation of origin Ribera del Duero in Spain.

THE TERROIR: The total area of the estate is 115 hectares, of which 60 hectares are vineyards. This 60 hectare is spread over 15 different plots, all of which contribute to the quality of the wines in this impressive domain. The sandy soil and the high location of the vineyards do not make it easier to ripen the planted grapes tinta del païs (tempranillo), merlot and cabernet sauvignon. The more than 100 years old pine trees do contribute to a microclimate in which the grapes feel good and the harvests are of an exceptionally high level in recent years.

FROM STICK TO HARVEST: Due to the high location, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in particular have a very hard time ripening. In recent years, a lot has been invested in the vineyards: drip irrigation, the sticks are tied up higher to get more leaf and so better photosynthesis and the young plantings of the newest vineyards are already producing unprecedented quality fruit.

FROM HARVEST TO WINE: Only at optimal maturity are grapes harvested here, resulting in beautifully concentrated wines with a fine acidity. All Finca Villacreces wines undergo malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels. Depending on the wine, the aging is determined on casks. Of course, the harvest year also influences this and there is a deviation from the standard. Pruno is aged for 12 months, Reserva for 16 months and Nebro for 18 months. After bottling, the bottles remain in the cellar for a long time before being put on the market. This is shorter for the Pruno than for the other wines.