# Esencias (2019)

- **Producer:** Pico Cuadro S.L.
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo
- **Region:** Castilla y León, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, black plum, blackberry, ripe fruit, vanilla, cloves, chocolate, tobacco, earth, leather

## About this wine

Esencias is a red wine from Pico Cuadro S.L., produced in the Ribera del Duero D.O. region of Spain. The wine is made primarily from Tempranillo grapes grown on old vines, averaging 60-70 years in age, situated on dry slopes within the 'Golden Mile' of Ribera del Duero. These vineyards are characterized by heterogeneous soils and high altitudes. Pico Cuadro's winemaking philosophy emphasizes handcrafted wines that express the unique terroir of individual vineyard parcels, aiming for purity, individuality, and wines that develop beautifully over time. The winery was founded in 2005 and is now owned by Oscar Garrote, Diego Alvarez, and a group of Swedish wine enthusiasts, who are committed to a meticulous and sustainable approach to winemaking.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards are planted at elevations between 850 and 900 meters.
- Soils are a mix of limestone, sandy, loamy, and stony.
- Average vine age is 60-70 years.
- Winery is owned by a group of Swedish wine lovers.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ body and pronounced intensity are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes. Tannins in the wine will complement the protein in red meats, softening as they interact. Flavors often found in Ribera del Duero wines, such as dark fruit and subtle spice, can echo or contrast with the flavors of hearty stews and roasted meats.

## Wine making process

Esencias is produced by Pico Cuadro S.L. in Ribera del Duero, Spain. The wine is crafted from Tempranillo grapes sourced from old vines, with an average age of 60-70 years, grown on high-altitude slopes. The winemaking process emphasizes the unique characteristics of individual vineyard parcels. Fermentation, for other Pico Cuadro wines, often takes place in French oak vats. The wine undergoes aging, with comparable vintages like Vendimia Seleccionada spending around 14 months in French oak barrels. The producer's approach is characterized by a commitment to natural processes, respect for the environment, and low yields, aiming to create wines that express purity and individuality.