Description

The Terreus Paraje de Cueva Baja 2018 is 100% Tempranillo from a single vineyard, that being the estate’s oldest vineyard El Almendro , which sits on deep, well drained calcareous soils.  The yields are an absolutely miniscule 3,000 kg per hectare which equates to just 1.3 tons per acre.  This wine is only produced in exceptional vintages.  14.5% Alcohol.

Bodegas Mauro’s estate is located on an expanse of 90 hectares of historic, dry farmed bush vine parcels in the village of Tuledo de Duero in the province of Valladolid along the western edge of the Ribera del Duero, one of Spain’s top wine-producing regions.  Founded in 1980, two years before the region was officially declared a D.O. (“denomination of origin”), a new modern winery was built in 2004.

All the viticulture is sustainable and organic, and being converted to biodynamic.  Plots are processed separately based on location, ripening, and age.  Harvest is by hand, includes extensive sorting and complete destemming, cold maceration, indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel tank, daily pump overs, and aging in French barrique.

Issue 255 End of June 2021, The Wine Advocate –  “The 2018 Terreus Paraje de Cueva Baja was cropped from a cool vintage when the vineyard saw some snow and a slow ripening of the grapes, which were harvested on the 16th of September under perfect conditions. It fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and daily pump-overs, followed by malolactic in barrel and 20 months in French barrique. There is a lot of purity in this wine, and it shows the effect of the cooler year. They are increasing the percentage of used barrique, and the oak feels better integrated. It’s a very serious wine, with depth, complexity and persistence. I think there’s more and more effect from the limestone soils in the wine (texture!) as the élevage marks the wine is a softer way. This is among the finest vintages of Terreus. 10,066 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2020.  Drink 2022 – 2035. Release price $180.” – 98 points, (LG 06/21).