The name translates directly to Four Steps and is called after the four bear pawprints that were found in an ancient vineyard in the highest area of Bierzo, Spain where this wine is from. Cuatro Pasos also relates to the four steps to making a beautiful wine according to producer Martin Codax which are; selection of the land, care for the vine, climate and vinification.
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| Bierzo Valley |
El Bierzo region itself was only recognised as a D.O. in 1989 making it one of the newest in spain. It is situated 3 hours in-land from Rias Baixas in the Northwest just over Portugal. The main grape varity planted here is Mencia of which this wine is 100%. There has been much confusion to the origins of this grape which was once thought to be Cabernet Franc and later linked to the Portugese grape Jaen du Dao although lately Mencia has been recognised as an indigeneous grape of Spain. It is thought that this grape was brought to the area by pilgrims travelling on the nearby Camino de Santiago. El Bierzo sits in a valley and has it's own micro - climate which is a mix between humid Galicia and sunny Castille with the valley protecting it from harsh winter frosts. All grapes for this wine come from an average of 80year old vines and is aged for 2 months in American and French oak. The result is a fresh cherry red with purplish hues and a nose of peppers, licquorice and red fruits. On the palate the wine is medium to full-bodied with smooth mouth-feel, plenty of red fruit flavours and subtle oak on the finish.
Had three of my pals over for dinner on Sunday evening and as funds were tight after an eventful weekend, I trotted off to Dunnes with 23 euro coins in my pockets. They had a special going on mince meat and a two for three on the dolmio range so it was decided upon, my old favourite lasagne. Something very comforting about a sloppy plate of lasagne, salad and hot bread. Needless to say the wine was not included in the €23 but one of the girls who was obviously equally as strapped as myself brought Cuatro Pasos along. I say this as I had actally given this bottle to her as a present when she arrived back from completing the Camino de Santiago the month previous. Two of the girls were driving so myself and herself enjoyed a couple of glasses each and she took the empty bottle home with her as we decided it would be rude for her not to - I had bought it AND drank it so fair is fair!!
I have a serious soft spot for Spanish wines after living in Madrid for a year and can be quite biased towards everything Spanish, this section in the shop is taking over! It is nice to try something other than Tempranillo from Spain and this is delicious and worth a try for €13.99.
Till Next time
Clare
CELLARS,NAAS ROAD
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