Cuatro del Cuatro 2016 – (Magnum)

Cuatro del Cuatro 2016 – (Magnum)

94 Points by The Wine Advocate

Grape: Graciano
Alcohol: 13.5% abv
Type: Dry Red
Vintage: 2016
Format: 150cl (Magnum)
Designation: Navarra DO
Sub-Region: Ribera Baja
Country: Spain

44.30

Qty

Description

The Founder

Viña Zorzal Cuatro del Cuatro is a tribute to our father, Antonio, the man who created the Zorzal Brand. A singular wine which embodies the character, identity and expression of the Graciano grape: a varietal that fascinated Sanz throughout his life.

The wine is an attempt to transmit all the power and passion that has driven Viña Zorzal throughout the years.

Navarra DO

Navarra is a wine region in northern Spain, known for its diverse and high-quality wines. It is situated in the Ebro River basin, south of the Pyrenees Mountains, and shares borders with France to the northeast. The region has a rich history of winemaking, with evidence of vine cultivation dating back to the Roman era. Very limited production from 45-year-old vines in Corella.

Terroir & Innovation

The region’s diverse geography, which includes plains, valleys, and mountains, contributes to the variety of wines produced. Different microclimates and soil types create ideal conditions for growing various grape varieties.

Navarra has a balance of traditional winemaking practices and a willingness to experiment with modern techniques. This combination allows winemakers to create wines that reflect both the region’s heritage and contemporary trends.

Vintage

 2016 was a historic vintage. The grapes were picked with an impeccable sanitary state, with ph lower than normal. Despite being a dry vintage, the rainy days were very well distributed and the vineyard did not suffer water stress. During the harvest, the temperatures were very mild, and this helped even more to that sanitary state that has impressed so much. As a negative point, a considerable production reduction compared to the previous year.

Vinification

Hand harvesting of the best bunches of the Corella Graciano in 8kg crates. Alcoholic fermentation, with native yeasts, in 500 litre French, oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation and ageing for 12 months in two-year old, 300 litre French, oak barrels. Gentle clarification and filtration without stabilization.

Wine

Clear, bright, mid-intensity garnet colour with an intense forest fruit and red fruit aromas with hints of earthiness and spice. Palate is dry and fresh with marked acidity. Broad and balanced, full and meaty with flavours of forest fruit and spice, some attractive bitterness and green notes, characteristic of this grape variety.

A wine with minerality and distinctive character. Persistent on the palate. Pairs well with meaty pies, pastas, pulses, cured meats and charcuterie and any type of grilled meat. 

Ideal serving temperature 16ºC.