Abadía de San Quirce M9

An altitude vineyard for a unique wine!

In the search for excellence and the best possible grape, some years ago we discovered the magnificent M9 estate in the municipality of Gumiel de Izán.

A plot with a wonderful development of goblet-pruned vines planted in a vineyard that’s more than 60 years old and at an altitude of 920 metres above sea level. This altitude is almost at the limit of vineyard adaptation on this ground.

The high altitude, together with clay-limestone soil and a rigorous study of both the vineyards and the winemaking process, resulted in a very special wine.

Tasting Notes

NOSE. Expressive, elegant. Outstanding fruit tones, with vivid reminiscences of seasoned grapes and touches of Ribazo berries (sloe, blackberry) and mineral notes (fresh earth) that identifies a good Tempranillo from the Ribera de Burgos, along with reminiscences of low mountain herbs, blue flowers and the elegant background of varietal flavour. The wood is not too noticeable but its beneficial effects definitely come through.

MOUTH. With the body and consistency you would expect from a Ribera del Duero red, but with an elegant sensation of fluidity thanks to the great balance provided by the acidity and civilised ripe fruit tannins, which add emphasis but aren’t rustic. This is a wine that fills the mouth and gives retro-nasal aromatic sensations, faithfully reproducing the aromas perceived in the nose and projecting a long and suggestive aftertaste.

GASTRONOMY. A red with enough nerve and consistency to go perfectly with classic Castilian roasts (suckling pig, lamb, goat), as well as grilled red meat (ox) and other roasts (baked pork knuckle, beef saddle), meat stews (beef hock). Makes a good companion to legumes and game bird dishes (partridge in a stew or even lightly pickled), but not recommended with smoked cured meats.