Maduresa 2011

There is a noticeable change in the 2011 Maduresa, when they went for earlier harvesting, looking at the acidity of the grapes rather than the sugar level or color of the pips. They also did a stricter selection of grapes which resulted in smaller volumes, less extraction and in general, in the last few years they have introduced subtle changes to achieve more freshness and elegance in their wines. The varietal breakup varies with the vintage and in this exceptionally warm 2011 it was 50% Monastrell, 20% Garnacha Tintorera and 10% each Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with malolactic in barrel and an élevage of one year in 225- and 500-liter French oak barrels followed by a further year in clay amphorae before bottling. There is a much softer impact from the élevage and better integration of the oak, there are some notes of cereals intermixed with some minty aromas and echoes of berries without any excess of ripeness, combining Mediterranean hints with a Bordeaux accent. The palate is much better balanced, there are finer tannins and fresher acidity, keeping the profile of a powerful wine with balance and elegance, with a completely different texture, the dustiness has disappeared and the alcohol is not noticeable. This is a new way for Maduresa, true to what it's supposed to be. 16,000 bottles produced.