Vega del Rayo Rioja Reserva, 2013

This wine is produced from selected Tempranillo, Manzuelo and Graciano grapes sourced from 30 to 40 year old Rioja Alta vineyards. The region has distinctive stony soils which are ideal for the long, even ripening of quality grapes. The fruit is hand harvested in mid October. Each variety is fermented separately in small tanks using natural yeasts at 82º-86ºF. After 20 days on the skins the wine is gently pressed and racked to stainless steel tanks for malolactic fermentation. The clear wine is then racked to second and third year American and Russian oak barrels for 24 months maturation before blending and bottling.