Alejandro Fernández Dehesa La Granja 2018 (Spain) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2016 Alejandro Fernández Dehesa La Granja a couple of years ago, tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of this excellent Tempranillo from Spain that landed at the LCBO in the March 15 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Familia Fernández Rivera, a renowned Spanish wine producer that was established in 1972 by Alejandro Fernández and his wife, Esperanza Rivera, after they acquired a small 16th-century stone winery in Ribera del Duero. The wines of Fernández Rivera quickly gained international recognition and helped pave the way for the creation of DO Ribera del Duero. The success of Familia Fernández Rivera is rooted in the couples' entrepreneurial souls and the unity of the family, followed by an encouragement and driving force to become what they are today - a family company that has four wineries, a hotel, and a team of staff of over 120 people.

In 2019, the granddaughters of Esperanza and Alejandro took charge of the family business. Representing the third generation of the family, together they continue to champion the values that have always defined the brand, while also committing to the evolution of the company based on the family's commitment and passion. With a clear philosophy, love for wine, and a passion for sharing it with the world, Familia Fernández Rivera has continued to dream and grow for over five decades, with its wines and products currently reaching over 70 countries.

Acquired in 1998 by the Fernández Rivera family, Bodegas Dehesa La Granja is one of four wineries owned by the family. Dehesa La Granja represents the union between wine and produce from the land. The three-century-old bodega is situated on the outskirts of Vadillo de Guareña and brought together the passions of the Fernández Rivera family to become one of the most beautiful estates in Zamora. The concept of "Liberty" is what inspires the winemaking, flora, and fauna which prosper on this estate, while the cornerstone of Dehesa La Granja is the underground cave which was built in 1750 and spans 3,000 square metres, and offers the ideal underground climate and temperature for ageing wine. Today, Dehesa La Granja is an 800-hectare estate which comprises of 13,000 olive trees, garbanzo bushes, cereal crops, rolling hills planted with 25-year-old Tempranillo vines in an ideal climate and soil, and hundreds of heads of sheep and cattle. The family brings together their passions for winemaking, agriculture, and livestock farming to produce Extra Virgin Olive Oil, cured cheeses, and grow chickpeas.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Tempranillo that was grown at Dehesa La Granja, on clay and sand soil, at 700 metres above sea level. It was aged for 12 months in American oak barrels, followed by several years of maturation in bottle. Dedicated to natural winemaking techniques, all their wines are produced without any filtering or fining prior to bottling.

The 2018 vintage in Spain was largely a success. It was a cooler-than-average vintage that featured lots of rain, leading to damp conditions and posing problems related to humidity, rot, and mildew. The cooler year led to gradual vine development, while the rains meant that intense work in the vineyard was required in order to keep yields in check and vineyard diseases at bay. It was a later harvest, which benefited the grapes due to the fine autumn weather. With generous yields, the best quality wines can be found where careful management of the vines takes place, as well as the selection of grapes in both the vineyard and the cellar. The wines of 2018 are described as fresh with good aromas, slightly lower alcohol levels, and good varietal definition. Let's see how this 2018 Tempranillo from Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León in Spain is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ DEHESA LA GRANJA 2018 - Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León, Spain (#192476) (XD) - $22.95
100% Tempranillo. The fresh and perfumed nose of medium-high intensity offers attractive aromas of fine oak spice, sandalwood, coconut, and dark red cherry accented with whiffs of floral, olive, tangy blackberry, and savoury earth adding complexity. On the dry, medium+ to medium-full bodied palate it is elegant and well-structured with lovely sandalwood, dark red cherry, oak spice, blackberry, olive, and savoury earth flavours. Acids are fresh and lively, while with ripe tannins are somewhat youthful. The textured and fairly grippy mid-palate leads to sandalwood, earthy, and dark chocolate notes on the long finish. This tasty red should to drink well to the end of the decade and is a highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

One other wine by Familia Fernández Rivera is available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.