Last night we went to the Foro De Almerimar at Hotel Almerimar for an evening that was sponsored by Fomento De Almerimar, and organised by the local restaurant La Soleá for the local business forum here that is trying to develop peoples awareness of Almerimar.

After a short presentation about the objectives of the evening, during which we all had the opportunity to enjoy some excellent jamon from La Soleá, and vino tinto provided by the sponsors there was an opportunity to do what the Spanish do best - eat, drink and chat! There was some entertainment by way of a Flamenco dancer and music.

The Crianza that we drank is Tinto Fino 100% with 13-16 months ageing in oak casks, best served at 18֯C, 65֯F

Fomento De Almerimar - Museum Art Collection

Finca Museum is located in the highlands of the Castilian plateau, in the village of Cigales (province of Valladolid) which gives its name to the Denominación de Origen that embraces their wines. A land with deep historic roots, as shown by the many churches, castles, abbeys and monasteries dotted along the way, which undoubtedly also contributed to the return of vine growing after the Moorish domination on the Spanish peninsula.

The continental climate covers both banks of the Pisuerga river, with long, cold winters and hot, dry summers. The number of hours sunshine is high, but so is the risk of frost (bewteen 80 and 100 days below 0֯C per year), with dramatic consequences for the already low yield. The considerable variation between day and night temperatures due to the height above sea level (between 740 and 800 metres), helps the phenolic ripening as well as the structure of the wines.

The soil is extremely poor, with very little organic substance, though generous with the quality of its fruit. The layers of pebbles on the high slopes, followed by a stratum of lime-clay soil, make it really difficult for the vines to survive, leaving their roots in a constant fight against nature.

The Tinto Fino variety, also known as Tinto del País, is the only one used for the wines. Its smaller and thicker-skinned grapes, adapted to the specific climate and soil of the region, gives a sweet fruit concentration, with robust wines which reflect the character of the soil and show excellent oak ageing potential.

The very old vineyards spot the silent and yellow Castilian fields, growing where nothing else seems to be able to, providing very little fruit, but of outstanding quality, with yields of between 1500 and 3500 kg/ha, from vines in some cases more than 80 years old.

The Wines

The severe process of natural selection which the old vines have undergone over the years is complemented inside the winery through the use of a selection table which, on average, sets aside 30% of the grapes harvested and received in small crates.

The vinification process is modern in style, with the latest generation of stainless steel tanks for fermentation of the must and extended maceration periods with frequent pumping over in order to produce intense, concentrated and structured wines.

The oak ageing, in brand new casks, is long, given the powerful structure of the wines. The wood comes mainly from forests in central France, though they have combined it with American oak for the Crianza.

They are elegant, balanced wines, with mineral hints, a powerful fruit concentration and a richness and complexity of nuances that fully express the nature of the key element: the superb quality of the grape.

Finca Museum
Ctra. Cigales - Corcos, Km 3
47270 CIGALES - VALLADOLID
T: (+34) 983 581 029 - F: (+34) 983 581 030
E-mail: fincamuseum@bodegasmuseum.com

INTERNATIONAL DIVISION
Phone: (+34) 945 622 600
Fax: (+34) 945 601 575