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Paradigma
Paradigma
Paradigma (‘paradigm’ in English) is a wine made by Bodegas Enguera. This bodega was founded in 1999 by Pedro Perez Pardo in the DO region of Valencia, located inland about a five-hour drive southwest of Barcelona. As the wine’s name indicates, it’s exactly the opposite of what you would expect from the grape that makes this wine. Wines made from Monastrell are typically big, ripe, dark, tannic and sometimes alcoholic. In Paradigma, we find the opposite: bright fruit, balanced tannins, silky texture and medium-to-low alcohol. Light in color, it looks like a cool climate Pinot Noir. Monastrell is the second most-planted red grape in Spain after Garnacha. These grapes come from the cool valley of Fontanares de Alforins. The cooler temperatures of this valley and the limestone terrain explain why this wine made from Monastrell is so pretty and delicate. Like Utiel-Requena just to the west, and Alicante, Yecla and Jumilla an hour-plus drive to the south, Valencia is an area with great wine growing potential that has been rediscovered by Spain’s most gifted young winemakers. Diego Fernandez Pons is is one such enologist. He is the winemaker at Bodega Enguera and at five other wineries, including Bodegas Manuel de la Osa, named for the well-known Spanish chef who owns Las Rejas Restaurante, which has earned a Michelin star. Diego teaches viticulture, as well. Bodegas Enguera currently owns 180 hectares (445 acres) of vines, primarily Monastrell, Tempranillo and Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Small quantities of white grapes are also grown.
What makes this wine unique?
A small production wine made with organically grown estate grapes. The vineyards are located in a one-of-kind location producing distinct wines that have the brightness and vibrancy of a northern European clime. In a blind tasting Paradigma’s texture and bright acidity might be confused with that of Pinot Noir.
Rating history:
2007 91 IWCGrape:
100% Monastrell, from estate-owned Certified Organic vineyards.
Pairing Suggestions:
Pair this wine with braised pork shoulder, roast pork tenderloin, medallions of venison or roast game birds. This will also pair well with aged hard cheeses.
Vinification and ageing:
After crush, the must undergoes cool macerations for 1 day. Fermentation takes place at cool temperature. The wine is aged for 11 months in French oak barrels.
Production:
500 cases are made; 125 for the U.S.
Location, Soil, Climate:
The vineyards are located in the town of Enguera (Zone 8), in the southern subzone of the Valencia DO, which is thirty-five miles inland, south and west of the Mediterranean city of Valencia. The vineyards are situated at 621 meters (2,037 ft.) elevation. The soils are sandy with limestone just below the surface. Sandy soil has very good heat retention, which allows for continued ripening during the cooler nights, and it sheds water rapidly, which minimizes surface moisture. The limestone subsoil acts as a reservoir, providing water to the vine’s root systems as needed, particularly during periods of drought. For climate, the mean temperature from April-October is 60.8°F, low for a Mediterranean climate. Rainfall during the growing season is 9.8 inches, while yearly rainfall is 23 inches. Cooler than one would expect for a Mediterranean climate, these temperatures have a positive effect on the vines and act to extend the growing season. Here, the harvest typically takes place the second week of October. A major component of this wine is the cool climate, which bestows vibrancy, generous aromas; freshness and color, all of which combine to give the fruit clear expression.
Tasting notes:
Paradigma, is medium ruby colored. aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, potpourri and musky underbrush; smells like a wine from Morey-Saint-Denis. Silky in texture, with sweet red berry and candied floral flavors, zesty minerality and slow-building Asian spice character. Strikingly pure and graceful, especially at this price, with nearly invisible tannins and excellent finishing clarity, sweetness and minerally cut. (Notes by Josh Raynolds).
Alcohol Content:
13.0%
UPC Code:
8437004217547
