Californiawinesandwineries
2016 Alaya Tierra is One of Our Favorite Wines for the Last Twelve Years
The 2016 Alaya Tierra is a HUGH, powerful and deep colored red wine. It is produced by Bodegas Atalaya and comes from the Almansa region of Spain in the southeastern portion.
The wine is made from 100% old-vine Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet) and comes in at 16% alcohol. Garnacha Tintorera grapes, both the skin and flesh are predominantly a violet radiant color. The old vineyards of Garnacha Tintorera, being 50+ years old, are located at 1,000 meters producing low yields and small berries. The wine is aged 15 months in mostly French oak with a few being American oak barrels all being 100% new.
First on the eyes with the dark skin produces a cavernous dark brooding quality, void of color. On the nose a range of bouquets with black fruits of prunes and dates bursting forth from the glass. On the palate this unique wine lays out to the imbiber flint, faint charred toasted oak, spices, dark chocolate and a brushy earthen quality. Secondary flavors include black cherry, blackberry and licorice. At the finish, this powerful and bold wine is balanced with a velvety texture with strong but not sharp tannins being present. It finishes with a modicum of sweetness which is welcomed from such strong wine.
This wine typically goes for between $40 to $45/bottle and is always stocked in cellar. We enjoy heavy, bold and big wines with or without food. Food pairings include grilled or roasted meats (tri tip, flank steak, carne asada), barbequed beef and smoked sausages and hard cheeses.
If you enjoy hearty and robust red wines, pick up a bottle of Alaya Tierra and you will be surprised.
Sláinte,
Michael