Manda Huevos Tinto "Caña Andrea" 2016

A single-vineyard red, the 2014 Manda Huevos Tinto Caña Andrea is a blend of Garnacha, Moristel, Bobal and Garnacha Blanca sold without appellation of origin even if the vines are within the limits of Calatayud. It's an old-vine red from two parcels with the same name with an extension of 1.5 hectares between both parcels. The upper part, planted in 1908, contains a potpourri of varieties with around 85% Garnacha Tinta Fina and the remainder a mix of Garnacha Blanca, Moristel and Bobal (known locally as Provechon). The lower part, planted in 1970, is 100% Garnacha Tinta Fina. It fermented in open vats without pumping over and aged in 900-liter, egg-shaped concrete vats with lees for some ten months. It has a Mediterranean profile, with plenty of balsamic aromas, esparto grass, thyme and rosemary intermixed with earthy sensations of graphite and earthy tannins, too. It's a powerful expression of Garnacha, with fine-grained tannins, lots of minerality and very good freshness. It's long and persistent, with a tasty, almost salty finish. This is very good, and should develop nicely in bottle. 6,300 bottles were filled in October 2015.