Slightly above the vineyards of the Swiss Valais, the "Cerro Las Monjas" sets the altitude record for vineyards on mainland Europe. Including the islands, only Tenerife boasts higher vineyards in Europe.
In the Cerro Las Monjas vineyard of Barranco Oscuro, located in the Alpujarras—the southern part of the Sierra Nevada—Garnacha, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot are cultivated across a few hectares of land. Despite the altitude, the vines produce perfectly ripe grapes year after year, which is unsurprising given that the winery is located on the same latitude as Tunis. What continually amazes, however, is the balance of sugar and acidity, as well as the power and energy inherent in the grapes.
This remarkable quality is largely due to Manuel Valenzuela’s 40 years of experience, but it also owes much to the vineyard's unique conditions. First, there is the distant yet influential sea, whose rising moisture often forms clouds that bring much-needed water to the vineyard. Additionally, at over 900 meters above sea level, the light intensifies, altering the photosynthesis process. This has direct effects on the plant, grape skins, and pulp—and, naturally, the resulting aromas. Finally, the dramatic temperature differences between day and night, sometimes exceeding 20°C, play a significant role.
The 1368 was spontaneously fermented and aged for 18 months in used barrels. It was neither fined nor filtered, and no sulfur was added.
Style
The 1368 showcases power and structure, elegance and depth, dark fruit, and pepper. It is complex yet inviting, juicy and cool, with a vibrant acidity that gives it tension and energy. Dense and full-bodied, it steadily builds pressure on the palate. Thanks to years of bottle aging, the texture is soft, the body balanced, and the finish delicately spiced and persistent.
Technical Sheet
- Varieties: Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
- Plant Protection: Only sulfur, copper, and plant- or animal-based preparations; not certified
- Vineyard: Schist & clay, Cerro Las Monjas at over 1300 meters (1368), bush-trained vines
- Harvest: Handpicked
- Fermentation: Spontaneous | Wild yeasts, 2-3 weeks of maceration in small wooden barrels
- Aging: 18 months in small, used wooden barrels
- Filtration: None
- SO₂: Unsulfured
- Alcohol: 15%
- Closure: Natural cork
- Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
- Optimal Drinking Window: Now – 2035
- Volume and Price per Liter: 0.75 l (€41/l)
