Ribera del Duero Mixed Case

Case of 6 bottles.

The winery, was started in 2008 by Marta Castrillo and César Maté who wanted to differentiate themselves from the over 300 wineries in the region. Assembling a dynamic team to help them achieve their goals, they decided to focus on three guiding principles: Location, Biodiversity, and Minimal Intervention.

The vineyards are located in the northernmost reaches of the DO, at an altitude above 900m (the average altitude in R.D. is 800m). They practice ecological viticulture, by promoting the life of microorganisms that live in the soil. Soil compaction is avoided (horse-drawn implements instead of tractors), as is the use of biocides or chemical fertilizers. While the average yield for R.D. is 5,400 kg/Ha, the maximum yield at Bodegas Marta Maté is 3,500 kg/Ha. 

Working mainly with Tinto Fino grapes, that are hand-harvested and collected in traditional 12kg baskets, the aim is to preserve the physical qualities and expression of the grapes and the vineyards they come from. As grapes enter the winery they are carefully sorted and only those that reach optimal quality pass. The crushed grapes flow by gravity into conical tanks to concentrate the natural flavours of the grapes. Fermentation uses indigenous yeasts, and with a very low and controlled addition of sulphur dioxide (<50 mg/L). Malolactic fermentation and maturation takes place in 225 litre, French-oak barrique, 600 litre, American-oak barrels, as well as large 2,300 litre oak casks, in an underground cellar, where the temperature is easily controlled and stable.

This pack (2 bottles of each wine) is a great way to experience the classic grape of Ribera de Duero - Tinto Fino - in the hands of an exciting team focussed on producing only the best wines possible. 

And if you enjoyed them, these wine are also available to purchase by-the-case through this Web site. 

Wine #1 El Holgazán 2020

Made from 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) grapes, hand-harvested from a special plot of ~25 year old vines called “El holgazán” (the layabout). The vineyard is planted at ~900 metres on clay/limestone soils.

The juice is kept on the skins for about 8 days, then after fermentation is complete (using indigenous yeasts) the wine is aged for ~7 months in 300L French oak barrels and then 6 months in concrete tanks. 

Our Tasting Note: Deep cherry, with purple tinges. Intense aromas and flavours of red and black fruits - cherry, blackberry, raspberry - with notes of liquorice, toffee, and vanilla spice. Medium-bodied, with pleasing tannins and a long fresh/sweet finish. 14% alc./vol.

Pairing suggestions: A wine for food, and works well with meat dishes (grilled), tapas (Iberian ham), and rice dishes with poultry, or even seafood.

Wine #2 Viñas del Lago 2019

Sourced from the cooler Tubilla del Lago vineyards; 24 small plots planted over 100 years ago. Gobelet trained, on slopes at +900m, clay/calcareous soils, influenced by the Sierra de Cervera, and overlooking the Gromejón River. Vineyards are organic.

A blend of 88% Tinto Fino, 7% Garnacha, and 5% Albillo - the juice is kept on the skins for 8 days in cement tanks. After fermentation, using indigenous yeasts, the wine ages for 12 months in French oak barrique (90%) and American oak barrels; the final assembly in concrete tanks. 

Our Tasting Note: Deep ruby/violet, with purple tinges. Aromas and flavours of red fruits - cherry, raspberry - with notes of violets, and vanilla spice. Medium-bodied, structured, balanced acidity, and a persistent finish. 14% alc./vol.

Pairing suggestions: Pair with meat dishes (grilled or roasted), richer seafood/fish like grilled tuna or salmon, grilled vegetable dishes, and mature cheeses.

Wine# 3 "Marta Maté 2020

From a single organic vineyard in Tubilla del Lago, planted over 100 years ago, at +900m on clay/calcareous soils, as well as from the Gumiel del Mercado vineyard (at 930m), with similar soils, and managed using biodynamic methods. 

100% Tinto Fino - the juice is kept on the skins for ~12 days. After fermentation, using natural yeasts, the wine ages for 14 months in a 2300 litre French oak cask, with refining in concrete tanks. 

Our Tasting Note: Deep ruby/violet, with purple tinges. Aromas and flavours of black fruits - blackberry, cherry, wild raspberry - with floral notes of cloves, tobacco, leather, and vanilla spice. Full-bodied, structured, balancing acidity, with a persistent finish. 14% alc./vol.

Pairing suggestions: Pair with meat dishes - beef or lamb - (grilled or roasted), grilled tuna, grilled vegetable dishes, and mature cheeses.