What makes this wine unique?

A Port-like “sticky” that has only 15.5% alcohol. The wine’s sweetness is not overpowering. Made from vines planted in 1912. Less than 160 cases are made. Aged in four types of wood: Chestnut, Cherry, Acacia and French Oak.

Rating history:

Grape:

100% Monastrell (harvested late, from 90-year-old vines).

Pairing Suggestions:

This “sticky” is a great match for various types of desserts, including chestnut-flavored custard, rich almond or walnut cakes, ice cream (especially savory flavors) and a wide range of cheeses, creamy and hard.

Vinification and ageing:

Bellum El Remate is fermented naturally to 12%. Once fermentation is finished, the skins are distilled to make a high-quality grappa that is used to fortify the overall alcohol content of Bellum El Remate to 15.5%. The wine is aged for 4 years in 40% French oak, 40% Chestnut, 10% Cherry and 10% Acacia barrels.

Production:

4 barrels or 160 6-pack cases are made; 45 for the U.S.

Location, Soil, Climate:

The vineyards are within the Yecla DO (Zone 8), in Murcia in southeast Spain. The grapes for Bellum El Remate are grown in Yecla’s subregion of Campo Arriba, with steeper vineyards and a greater concentration of old-vine Monastrell. The parcel is steep. Monastrell is called Mourvèdre in France and Mataro in Italy and in the New World. Monastrell is the most planted grape in the area and is the second most planted red grape in Spain. Yecla’s higher altitude makes it significantly cooler than neighboring Jumilla, and the resulting wines are more aromatic, with a fresher, more easy-to-drink character. The area’s soils are composed of limestone and chalk with subsoils of clay and gravel. Poor in organic matter, the soils are deep and have good drainage. Despite the depth of the clay, the root systems can extend up to 30 feet in search of water. The clay subsoil retains water, essential for the health of the vine in this arid climate. Due to the low content of nutrients in the soil, the vines have low vigor and yields are only about 3 pounds of fruit per vine, which produces smaller berries with a higher skin-to-juice ratio. These grapes produce wines with greater concentration and complexity in aromas and palate flavors. For climate, the area’s average temperature from May-October is 66ºF, with only 13 inches of rain per year. The climate is Mediterranean with a light Continental influence due to region’s higher altitude. The vine virtually shuts down or slows considerably during the cool nights, which helps to prolong the ripening period. This allows the Monastrell grapes to ripen slowly and prevents over-ripe grapes. The Mediterranean Sea’s cool breezes help moderate the arid and sunny climate. The area receives a high amount of sunshine per year (3,893 hours). In sum, this region has ideal conditions for Monastrell.

Tasting notes:

Bellum el Remate exhibits a hugely aromatic nose of blackberry liqueur scent, violet and smoky Indian spices. Smooth, sweet and smoky on the palate, with candied dark fruit flavors and notes of pomegranate molasses and fruitcake. Lush and creamy but surprisingly lively for a late-harvest wine, finishing with clinging sweetness and a spicy quality. Notes by Josh Raynolds.

Bellum el Remate is a deep ruby red late harvest wine. Cherry and blueberry jam on the nose, with a subtle hint of baking spices. Lush and creamy, offering sweet dark berry liqueur flavors and a velvety texture. A sappy, deeply sweet style that is firmed by gentle minerality, which keeps the luscious fruit in check. This is all about the fruit.

Alcohol Content:

15.5%

UPC Code:

8437006931069