Women In Wine, Part Two

Isabel Galindo is responsible for the 2017 Las Moradas de San Martín Garnacha, and has been the winemaker since 2002.  The winery is located on the Madrid side of the Gredos range of hills.  Las Moradas de San Martín has recovered ancient Garnacha vineyards which have been cultivated since the 12th century.  For decades, Sierra de Gredos has been seen as an under-the-radar region.

Galindo has introduced a low intervention style of winemaking and is committed to maintaining old vines.  She says she works her vineyards ecologically and with an inherent trust for the land, using natural yeast from the grapes and aiming for low sulfur dioxide levels.

The soil of the vineyard consists of sandy granitic hilltop dirt, poor in quality and perfect for growing grapes that boast great acidity, minerality and color.  The Senda wine aged for ten months in French oak barrels, alcohol stands at 14.5% abv and it retails for an incredible $16.

This is a dark purple wine, laden with shades of blueberry, cherry, anise, clove and cinnamon on the nose.  The palate offers a similar package - heavier on the fruit and lighter on the oak spice.  The tannins are firm, but not annoying, and the acidity is a real lip-smacker.  The finish goes too quickly, but is pleasant while it's there. 

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