$30 bottle Rufete is a rare, unique varietal which is a cousin to Pinot Noir. Many centuries ago, Burgundian settlers transported the Noirene grape to Sierra de Francia. It adapted to the mountains, high above the city of Salamanca, and became Rufete.
The vineyard is located within the Reserva Biosfera de la Sierra de Francia y Bejar, and like much of the region is surrounded by dense oak forests. It has been farmed organically and certified as such since its was planted and the winemaking follows a very minimalist approach. The 2014 growing season was nearly perfect, aside from a late heat spike, which sent sugars racing. The vineyard was picked on the 29th of August, and after about two weeks fermenting in steel, was basket-pressed into an old puncheon. Approximately 50 cases were bottled in July, unfined and unfiltered. Produced entirely without the use of pumps. |
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