Marta + Maté El Holgazan Ribera del Duero DO 2020

Wine Type:
Style of Wine:	Earthy & Spicy
Country of Origin:	Spain
Grape Varietal:	Tempranillo
Bottle Format:	750mL
Case Size:	12 bottles
$354.96 Per Case ($29.58/btl) Add to Cart

Tasting Notes

The inspiration for the winery started in 2008, with Marta Castrillo and César Maté who had been successfully making a limited production wine (Primordium) from the Gumiel de Mercado vineyard. But faced with a region that has over 302 wineries, producing over 2000 brands of wine, from mostly (85%) machine-harvested vineyards, they felt it was vital to differentiate themselves from this reality by pursuing three guiding principles: Location, Biodiversity, and Minimal Intervention.

The vineyards are located in the northernmost reaches of the Ribera del Duero DO, at an altitude above 900m (the average altitude in R.D. is 800m), which together with unique edaphological characteristics define the terroir, favour the health of the vines, and protect them from pests and diseases.

They practice ecological viticulture, by promoting the life of microorganisms that live in the soil. Soil compaction is avoided (horse-drawn implements instead of tractors), as is the use of biocides or chemical fertilizers. While the average yield for R.D. is 5,400 kg/Ha, the maximum yield at Bodegas Marta Maté is 3,500 kg/Ha.

Working only with Tinto Fino grapes, that are hand-harvested and collected in traditional 12kg baskets, the aim is to preserve the physical qualities and expression of the grapes and the vineyards they come from. The crushed grapes flow by gravity into 10,000 litre conical tanks to concentrate the natural flavours of the grapes. Fermentation uses indigenous yeasts, and with a very low and controlled addition of sulphur dioxide (<50 mg/L). Malolactic fermentation and maturation takes place in 225 litre, French-oak barrique, 600 litre, American-oak barrels, as well as large 2,300 litre oak casks, in an underground cellar, where the temperature is easily controlled and stable.

The grapes for this wine come from a special plot of ~25 year old Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) vines called “El holgazán” (the layabout), planted at ~900 metres on clay/limestone soils. The juice is kept on the skins for about 8 days, then after fermentation is complete the wine is aged for ~7 months in 300L French oak barrels and 6 months in concrete tanks. Only 25,500 bottles produced.

Our Tasting Note: Deep cherry, with purple tinges. Intense aromas and flavours of red and black fruits - cherry, blackberry, raspberry - with notes of liquorice, toffee, and vanilla spice. Medium-bodied, with pleasing tannins and a long fresh/sweet finish. 14% alc./vol.

Pairing suggestions: A wine for food, and works well with meat dishes (grilled), tapas (Iberian ham), and rice dishes with poultry, or even seafood.

Critical Praise