Virtual tasting with Lopez Cristobal
Quite amazing how the wine industry is evolving nowadays, now we are having special and exclusive wine tasting with connoisseurs from all around the globe without leaving our cozy home! A complete new way to communicate that is terrific and efficient!
24 hours before our virtual event, we did receive samples from Bodega Lopez Cristobal : 1 pink, and 2 reds.
Even though Bodegas Lopez Cristobal was founded in 1994, Galo’s father was involve professionally with the local wine industry. As a matter of fact, some of the vines that now are producing some of their wines were planted in the 80’s. Generally speaking, at Lopez Cristobal we do not buy grape, the estate covers 80 hectares of vines that are split in several parcels.
Galo has now the whole control of the estate, with his wife. Looking ahead with all the brand new and exciting projects, it is clear that Lopez Cristobal has great ambitions.
You probably have tasted several wines from them, the Roble which is surely one of our best seller and the crianza. Recently, Galo released a white wine produced exclusively from a local variety called : Albillo. Their signature wine was Bagus, but since yesterday this might change!
Lopez Cristobal is going pink with the 2020 vintage!
A 100% tempranillo just pressed, no maceration but aged 2 months in oak. Light, pale salmon but a highly seductive nose mixed red fruits with a touch of star anis. The sensation on the palate is gentle and round (high glycerin content, I guess) with a great crisp acidity, helped by the star-anis aromas. Elegant and pleasant, completely different from what we have tasted so far from that part of Spain.
Approx. Price : 12 Euros
“Parcela 1” 2016 .
Not released, this will replace their Reserva. The idea is to offer an up-dated version of the “reserva”, fruit-driven with smooth tannins. Nonetheless, Parcela 1 is produced from a single parcel, that was planted by Galo and his father 35 years ago – Finca Valera. Pebbles with sand for the top soil, and chalk which will retain enough moisture for the deeper roots system. Planted entirely with Tinta del Pais, and aged 16 months in oak (70% French, 30% American)
The color is so intense that we barely notice its age, thanks to a purplish rim. The oak treatment is obvious, smoky, vanilla, coconut cream almost buttery. Still the ripe black cherry fruit is showing well, and the tannins are presents but ripe and balanced. Profound, with a long floral finish especially violets.
Approx. Price : 25/27 Euros
Viracocha 2017
The cream of the crop!
Just 925 bottles produced
A small parcel located in one of the most sought after area in Ribera del Duero : Pedrosa del Duero.
Here, the 80 years old Tinta del Pais are located on a red clay soil (rich in iron) with a bit of sand. The rim is almost inexistent, its color is deep and opaque. Butter, cream, cacao but also black truffle on the nose. The mouthfeel is persistent, with round tannins, concentrated but still elegant. The stems are eliminated, but the berries are uncrushed! in order to extract the riper phenolic compounds. Aromatically, anis, caramel, vanilla but nothing is overwhelming. Still far too young, but highly promising. Can’t wait to taste it in 12 months….
Approx. Price : 130.00 Euros
After a brilliant virtual tasting like this one, we feel lucky at Classic Vins! the presentation was perfect and the wines were splendid. Good job!
As always, keep us informed it you are interested.
