Wine Maker’s Notes:
“Not surprising Las Gravas
comes from a profoundly rocky, single vineyard of the same name. You’d also be
hard pressed to call it soil since before you can get to anything resembling
dirt you have to go through a foot of stones. Here Jose Maia and his father
planted Monastrell, Garnacha and Syrah, each of which contribute to the final
blend of Las Gravas. While the other cuvees from the estate show the unique
expression of site and variety, Las Gravas is a broader lesson in terroir and
the varieties that thrive here. Las Gravas is harvested by hand and fermented
in underground stone tanks with manual pigeage. Once primary fermentation is
complete the wine is aged in 500 liter French oak barrels for 18 months. In
most vintages only 20% of the barrels are new.”