Bodegas El Vinculo Crianza ‘Alejairén’
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The El Vínculo winery started producing white wine from the Airén grape, which is native to La Mancha.
- The first vintage of “Alejairén Crianza” was in 2007 from the respected Paraje la Golosa vineyard, located at 650 to 750 meters above sea level.
- The soil is a mix of sand and clay.
- This 90-year-old vineyard is dry-farmed and uses a traditional bush vine system. It yields a limited amount of high-quality grapes.
Varietals: 100% Airén
Elaboration: The grapes are destemmed and pressed, then spontaneously fermented in barrels and stainless steel. The wine is aged for a minimum of 14 months in 225-liter French oak barrels, followed by additional bottle aging before its release to the market.
Tasting Notes: Wine of intense straw yellow color, clean and bright. Citrus notes with stone fruit, spicy notes and light caramels that come from aging in French oak barrels. A flavorful and elegant entry on the palate. A full-bodied and unctuous wine with a balsamic sensation that lends freshness and longevity. The aftertaste is marked by pleasant fruit enveloped in sweet notes from its time in oak barrels.
PRESS
2023 – 90 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Bodegas El Vínculo is a prestigious winery located in Campo de Criptana, Ciudad Real, founded in 1999 by celebrated winemaker Alejandro Fernández, known as the “Master of Tempranillo.” Part of the Familia Fernández Rivera group, the winery aims to showcase high-quality, long-aging wines from La Mancha, a region traditionally focused on bulk production. The name “El Vínculo,” meaning “The Bond,” highlights the connection between Castilla-La Mancha and Castilla y León, honoring the founders’ ancestral roots. Now managed by the founders’ granddaughters, Bodegas El Vínculo has become a key producer in La Mancha, enhancing the region’s reputation for excellent Tempranillo wines.