Ludovicus Blanco

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Shelf Talker 2010
Shelf Talker 2011

Ludovicus Blanco

In the high Mountains of Terra Alta, south of Barcelona, overlooking the Mediterranean at 356 meters (1,168 ft.) elevation is were the Garnacha Blanca grape was born.
Today, Terra Alta is home for 30% of the Worlds Garnacha Blanca plantings. Garnacha Blanca is super well known in the Rhone Valley France for making superb long lasting white wines that are full of fineness and rich flavors. In France its name is Grenache blanc. The unknown and obscure territory of Terra Alta is the birth place of this incredible grape. It is here were this grape shows its greatest beauty. The geography here is full of valleys and rolling hills. It is 5km south of Priorat. If Priorat is full of slate, Terra Alta is full of Limestone, Otherwise known by wine people, as White Gold. Limestone is responsible for the beautiful flavors of minerals and delicate bright nerve that brings longevity, tension and finesse to its wines. Garnacha Blanca at its best grows here in Terra Alta – this is a secret that is now unfolding. Ludovicus Blanco is a pure expression of this grape from Estate own vineyards that are organically grown. Ludovicus shows spice, body, rich flavors of minerals, thyme, fennel seeds and a hint of honey that makes it extremely inviting.

What makes this wine unique?

Grown in Terra Alta, where Garnacha Blanca was born. Estate own vineyards. Organically grown. full of spice and body and a beautiful layer of minerals that makes the wine extremely complex. Less than 3,000 cases produced for the world. Great value!

Rating history:

2011 89IWC

Grape:

100% Garnacha Blanca

Pairing Suggestions:

This fresh, mineral-inflected Ludovicus Blanco pairs extremely well with Scallop risotto, swordfish sauteed in butter and wild herbs, and also a host of casual foods like tapas, pasta with white clam sauce or fried oyster sandwiches.

Vinification and ageing:

Macerated for 24 hours with its own skins and fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel tank. Stainless steel tank.

Production:

3,000 cases

Location, Soil, Climate:

The vineyards are located a few miles south and west of Priorat, within the Terra Alta DO (Zone 5) in Catalunya’s Tarragona province in northeastern Spain. In this remote region, the wine-making tradition dates back to the Romans, around the 2nd or 3rd Century. The winery and vineyards are in the town of Batea, situated at 356 meters (1,168 ft.) elevation. The soils are composed of 95% limestone and 5% clay. For climate, the average temperature from April-October is 67.3ºF. The hot day and warm-to-moderate night temperatures make Terra Alta a drier and warmer region than Montsant or Priorat. These conditions produce bright purplish-garnet hued wines with greater weight and ripeness than wines from other areas within Zone 5. The low average yearly rainfall of 16.3 inches is less than neighboring regions.

Tasting notes:

Pale peach skin color. Vibrant, mineral-accented bouquet evokes dried pear, jasmine and beeswax. Chewy and dry, with strong lemon pith and pear flavors and an exotic touch of anise that builds with air. The tight finish is stony and focused, with a lingering note of honey.

Alcohol Content:

13.5%

UPC Code:

8437008409412