La Mula 2017

Quinta de la Quietud is located in Toro, in the northwest of Spain. The continental climate is extreme. Dry, hot summers, very little rainfall and only a moderate influence from the Atlantic. In contrast, there are very cold winters at high altitudes and strong fluctuations between day and night. These are conditions that are also familiar in a similar form from Rioja or Ribera del Duero and are ideal for Tempranillo. The Spanish top grape variety feels very comfortable in these extremes.

26 hectares of our own vineyards are in production. The vines were planted between 1900 and 1920. The soils are sand-based with a layer of gravel. In the subsoil, the sand is very loose and light. There is hardly any compaction. The drainage is therefore excellent and the vines naturally root deeply. Fermentation takes place spontaneously in open steel tanks. The maceration lasts between 22 and 25 days. Pigeage is carried out twice a day. The wine is then aged for 30 months in new French 225-litre oak barrels.

Dense black red, light violet hints

The nose of the 2017 La Mula is directly present in the glass. Dark chocolate, cocoa butter, but also cinnamon and cloves set the tone. Morello cherries, plums and blackberries drum along in the background. It is reminiscent of damson jam with cinnamon in its spicy intensity. The Tinta de Toro absolutely goes all out. Coffee and roasted aromas are present in absolutely brilliant form. A little anise and liquorice provide further dark accents and a slight freshness kick. Juniper and black pepper provide the final chord.

The Tinta de Toro is full-bodied and dense in the glass. Juicy and concentrated at the same time. Enormously fleshy and with a gripping acid structure. The high alcohol from the hot Toro is thus strongly countered. And Tempranillo is known for this gripping acidity. Contrary to the impressions gained, it appears surprisingly cool, revealing minerality and an absolutely linear image.