93 Pt (WA) Easy Drinking Spanish Red

UNIQUE & EXPRESSIVE ANCIENT SPANISH RED

“Montrubí was established in 1984 with the goal of producing Cava, the traditional method sparkling wine of Spain. The winery found the Cava industry not suitable after what they refer to as 'the battle of prices' and made the decision to go in a new direction, toward the old. Old, indigenous grapes that is. Thus began the winery's Gaintus Project in 2000, with the intention of producing still wines from ancient grapes, including the little-known grape in today's wine, Sumoll.

The 93 point 2019 Montrubí Gaintus Radical Sumoll Penedès is made from what was once an almost extinct variety, in an area where it once thrived, Penedès in Northeast Spain. Phylloxera, over-planting of grapes used for Cava and various international varieties, and the inherent delicacy of the Sumoll grape itself, all contributed to its near demise. The first vintage of the Gaintus Radical 100% Sumoll wine was released in 2001, the first such wine of its kind, and the winery has continued to be successful in making a high quality wine out of it. Luis Gutiérrez of Wine Advocate did a tasting of red Sumoll (there is a white Sumoll) wines and declared, 'My favorite of the red Sumoll was the 2019 Gaintus Radical, adding that it's 'direct, fresh and varietal.' Montrubí Radical reminds me of of both Syrah and Pinot Noir, as it has the richness and dark fruit of the former, but the medium body and smoothness of the latter, making it pair well with all types of food. At just $22.99 a bottle, it's a great value, and it's honestly just an easy drinking red wine that's fantastic to drink in warm or cool weather!” – Eduardo Bolaños, The Wine House

Join us to experience the quality and value of Spanish wines at the The Running of the Spanish Wines, on Sunday, June 25. Treat yourself to over 75 wines from one of the most diverse and fascinating wine regions of the world, and taste exciting and dynamic reds, whites, and rosés, as well as a Galician Gin & Tonic! Enjoy hand sliced Jamón Ibérico and other delicious Spanish bites to complement the wines.

93 Points: “My favorite of the red Sumoll was the 2019 Gaintus Radical, a wine they try to show pure and without any makeup, aging it in used, well-seasoned and neutral oak barrels. It's direct, fresh and varietal, with 12.5% alcohol and a pH of 3.36. It fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts and matured in used 300-liter French oak barrels for six months. It's gastronomical and vertical, very apt for food. They use younger vines here, as they don't want excess ripeness or concentration. It's a more approachable vintage, a little rounder and gentler. 11,456 bottles produced. It was bottled in August 2020. Drink Date 2022 - 2027” – Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (September 2022)

FROM THE WINERY

Winemaking
Vines are planted at over 500 meters (1.650 feet). Manual selective harvest, cold skins contact. Fermentation in stainless-steel tanks using indigenous yeast. The wine is extracted by a slow vertical pressing followed by 4 months of ageing in 300 liters old French oak barrels on the fine lees.

Tasting notes
Gaintus Radical surprises from the first sight. Bright ruby colour, very different from the classic stereotype of “Spanish wine”. On the nose, vibrant aromas of sour cherries and a touch of rusticity, while the palate is brimming with red fruits flavors and spicy notes. Incredible zip from the acidity and tannins. Extremely complex, it does not go unnoticed.

Food pairing
Gazpacho, duck breast with cranberries sauce, red mullets, lasaña, fresh strawberries.

Technical
Appellation: D.O. Penedès
Variety: 100% Sumoll
Vineyard planting year: 2006
Alcoholic grade: 12.5% vol.
Soil: Calcareous clay
Organic and Vegan