Blecua 2008

This is an interesting project from Viñas del Vero, one of the most important bodegas in Somontano (Aragon). Eleven years after its foundation, they came up with the idea of creating an iconic wine that would be born under the aegis of its vineyards but produced and aged in a different manner. They therefore fitted out a new winery alongside them on the Blecua estate, better known in the area as the “Torre Blecua”, which dates from the late 11th century when it was used as a retreat by French Benedictine monks. Blecua is the product of what Viñas del Vero refers to as a triple selection: vineyards, grapes and barrels. Every year, they select the seven best vineyards of four different grape varieties i.e Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Tempranillo, to create the base. They then select the best bunches and start a traditional and careful production process which culminates in the selection of the best barrels of each of these four grape varieties.

Appearance

Dark cherry red. Very intense colour.

Nose

Intense. Very spicy. Lactic nuances come through at the start. Hints of red fruit. Cherries with caramel, cassis liqueur. New leather.

Palate

Needs some polishing. Still shows obvious flavours from the time spent in oak, salient roasted aromas, cream, red jam with light cocoa. Long finish with good acidity.

Comment

The wine is different each time it appears on the market, according to Blecua’s guiding principle. The 2008 is a novelty that meets the expectations of a region which was in vogue for the past decade but which has suffered from a slight problem of continuity in all its winemaking activity. The Blecua 2008 is a modern style, technologically irreproachable wine with an undeniable international reputation, winning the trophy for most powerful and robust wine on the Aragon podium. It will still need some time in bottle to develop the soul that we imagine it has and it will no doubt evolve a great deal over the next decade. Part of Gonzalez Byass since 2008, and misunderstood in recent years by the market, the brand will regain its lost position in the Top Ten ranking. Be patient.