La Transicion Garnacha Soto Manrique

GRAPE VARIETY

100% Garnacha

PRODUCER

The Soto Manrique family came to winemaking in due course, with the second generation having turned their attention to producing wines in the Gredos region, located in the Sierra de Gredos mountain range to the west of Madrid. This up-and-coming region is starting to gain kudos for producing a unique style of Garnacha, with an almost Pinot-like elegance and finesse, crafted from old vines planted on granite and slate soils. Alongside this, they also cultivate the indigenous Albillo Real, an aromatic white grape, which ripens a week or so later to add structure and complexity.

VINEYARD

The grapes come from fifty-year-old vineyards planted on sand and granite soils at an altitude of between 560 and 1,090 metres above sea level. 96% of the vines are trained en vaso and are planted at a density of 1,800 plants per hectare. Harvest is carried out by hand.

WINERY

Fermentation took place at low temperature in tanks, followed by ten months of ageing in large French oak casks.

TASTING NOTE

As the pale ruby colour suggests, this is not a blockbuster, over-extracted expression of Garnacha. Red fruit aromas lead to gentle tannins and a bright seam of acidity. There are subtle herbal notes to complement the fruit, but balance and elegance are the watchwords here.