NIC Ribera del Duero 2009, Tempranillo, Spain

NIC Ribera del Duero 2009, Tempranillo, Spain Wine Advocate: 97 Points Bodega J. A. Calvo Casajus – Bodegas Casajus is located in Quintana del Pidio, which is in the foothills in the northern portion of the Duero valley that shapes the Ribera del Duero appellation. The boutique bodega is family owned and operated with only one employee, Jose Alberto Casajus. Jose Alberto was trained as a winemaker, but he is also the village baker. His day begins around 4:30 AM when he opens his bakery to bake the bread for the 50+ local villagers. He closes the bakery around 9:00 and walks down the street to his bodega where he makes his three wines. History – Bodegas Casajus is known for its vineyards, all of which were planted in 1920, making them among the oldest vineyards in Ribera del Duero. Mariano Garcia, the famed winemaker from Vega Sicilia, identified Quintana del Pidio as his first choice for sourcing grapes for his Aalto project. Tasting Notes – Bright purple color. Ripe blackberry and pl