MAKING:
Ribera del Duero is home of the Tempranillo grape from which this wine is made. These grapes come from old vineyards located in the most elevated areas that can reach an altitude of 2.800 feet; this gives these vineyards the ideal temperature gradient in order to achieve the optimum grape ripeness. Grape boxes that can hold no more than 44 pounds are used for the harvest. While harvest is taking place a preselection of the grape is done, later, when the grape arrives at the winery it is selected once more. Destemming is done at a very low revolution in order to respect the integrity of the berry and a long lasting maceration process using the delestage technique takes place after the fermentation process; this technique maximises flavour and colour extraction.
Wine is transfered to aging barrels that can hold 66 gallons and come from different places which add to the wine exotic nuances. Wine settles there between 14 and 20 months according to the oenologist decision and after that, it is bottled and matures for another nine months.
TASTING SHEET:
- This is a full bodied, dark ruby and purpletinged wine.
- This wine has spicy hints, bay leaf and of course, ripe red fruit aromas which jump from the glass and are followed by layers of violet and Florence lilium aromas.
- The palate has a soft unctuous and velvety texture, firm tannins and a long finish.
Decanting is recommended before serving the wine. Optimal serving temperature between 15 and 18ºC.
PAIRINGS:
This wine is highly recommended to drink with red meats, wild meats, cold meats and cheeses.
AWARDS:
CATHAY PACIFIC HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION BRONZE (2018); SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE SILVER MEDAL (2018); DECANTER BRONZE MEDAL (2016, 2017 y 2018); TEXSOM INTERNATIONAL BRONZE MEDAL (2017); BACCHUS SILVER MEDAL (2016); MUNDUS VINI SILVER MEDAL (2016); VINALIES INTERNATIONALES GOLDEN MEDAL (2015); ZARCILLO SILVER MEDAL (2015); BEVERAGE TESTING INSTITUTE (USA) SILVER MEDAL (2015); BACCHUS SILVER MEDAL (2013).
BODEGAS EL INICIO is a small winery yet is brimming with technology and the knowledge necessary to elaborate and age great wines.
The winery it is situated in Ribera del Duero, under the imposing presence of Peñafiel Castle, a Medieval fort.
Created with one clear goal: to elaborate high quality wines, wines destined for barrel aging , wines without hurry, elegant and full of flavor.
Wines which in their days gave their name to the Denomination of Origin, which our Director and associate Angel Luis Margüello helped to develop with care and personality back in the 80´s and 90´s .These types of wines, which under his experience, have been the true icons of the area and which are now enjoying a comeback. The wine´s potency falls back to make way for elegance, roughness turns to smoothness, elegant tannins form from aggressive tannins and peace evolves from chaos.
Our winery is set in the Ribera del Duero but we have also been making wine for many years in other areas such as Castilla y León, Rías Baixas and Rueda (here with our 23 hectares of vineyard).