La Cueva Colora, Cencibel, 2021

Appellation: Castilla

La Cueva Colorá by Bodegas García de Lara is a distinguished single-vineyard red wine that exemplifies the rich heritage of Castilla-La Mancha. Crafted exclusively from 100% Cencibel (Tempranillo) grapes, this wine originates from a 5.47-hectare vineyard planted in 1960 at an elevation of 768 meters in Villarrubia de Santiago, Toledo. The vineyard's calcareous, loamy-silt soils and dry-farmed conditions contribute to the wine's unique character.

La Cueva Colorá undergoes meticulous winemaking processes, including manual harvesting, gentle destemming, and cold maceration. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged for 12 months in a combination of French (80%) and American (20%) oak barrels, and further refined in the bottle for an additional 10 months.

On the palate, La Cueva Colorá offers a powerful and structured profile, featuring aromas of ripe black fruits, spices, and subtle oak nuances. Its balanced acidity and elegant tannins provide a persistent and enjoyable finish, making it an excellent choice for pairing with red meats, game, and mature cheeses.

This wine not only reflects the traditional winemaking practices of the region but also showcases the potential of the Cencibel variety when cultivated with care and respect for the land.