THE HACIENDAS COMPANY
It’s really the aroma of the Lagunilla Reserva 2011 that captures ones attention, even as the cork is being pulled. It immediately speaks of the cellars where the wine has been aging before its release onto the market. If you’ve ever visited (with me perhaps, it’s one of the wine things I do!) the ‘crianza’ cellar, almost invariably below the bodega, you’ll know what I mean.
There’s a captivating aroma, firstly of the oak, perhaps French, maybe American – or both, and then of rich red wine. Of course, in the cellar it’s the wood that takes the lead, as it is in this case, when the bottle is first opened. Then, the seasoned taster waits a while for the well made wine to develop in the glass as the primary aromas reverse, with the fruit of the wine coming to, and remaining at, the fore.
It was a super start to my tasting of a selection of the wines made by the Haciendas Group, which not only owns several bodegas but also hotels, villas and restaurants, as well as a farm! Having been seduced by their wines, I’m determined to check out their accommodation too!
Marqués de la Concordia MM Selección Especial is a white Cava Brut which has been aged on its lees for 6 months longer than the minimum 9 months stipulated by the Consejo Regulador DO Cava. It’s made with the three original traditional varieties, Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel.lo, with the former making its presence felt in a crisp green apple freshness on the palate with a slight cooked apple aroma too.
The rosado version of the same fizz is a lovely rosé colour, inviting, and not just for the ladies. Made with 70% Monastrell and 30% Pinot Noir, it’s quite a classy wine, with a touch more residual sugar than the white, thus appealing to those who have a very slightly sweeter tooth.
I’m always keen to taste DO Rueda wines made with the indigenous Verdejo variety, with which many readers will be most familiar, as I’m certain many have tasted wines made here and with this variety. Hacienda Zorita Vega de la Reina Verdejo 2015 is a super, refreshing fruit delivery on the nose (gooseberry and under-ripe kiwi) which also has that typical slight vegetal note – look for some asparagus and a little fennel, almost hidden amongst the delightful fruit. An IWSC Sliver Medalist is was my equal favourite of the group tasting!
I’ve already alluded to the Lagunilla Reserva 2011 from their Rioja outpost. It’s made with Tempranillo and Garnacha and has had 24 months in barrel. It’s a lovely wine which has some dark cherry notes on the nose along with blackberry fruit on the palate. Underpinning the fruit is an extra layer of complexity and depth in the form of some smokey vanilla notes and a little cinnamon. The finish is fruit orientated, and once swallowed the flavours all linger on the palate, inspiring a contemplative mood. The bottle didn’t last long!
Like it’s younger brother the Laganilla Gran Reserva 2007 is also a Silver Medal Winner at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition. Again it is made with the above varieties and it too has had significant oak aging, before bottling. The American oak adds a touch of vanilla to the mature dark red fruit with slight pine-resin presence too. There’s also a faint smokiness with a wisp of freshly lit matches.
However, it’s the fruit and the elegance which impresses most. It’s full and has body, but it’s also a graceful wine – perfect for the dinner table this coming winter. I’d also check out younger vintages over time too.
So, the Haciendas Company is well worth investigating, remembering that the above is just a short selection of their wines. (www.the-haciendas.com).
Please note that the next Fine Wine & Gourmet Dine Programme on Total FM 91.8 and online at www.totalfm.es will be on Sunday 11th Sept. from 18:30 – 20:00 hrs. My studio guest – Gian, owner of I-Sushi Japanese Restaurant Chain!