Post Crucifixion 2021

Originating from the steep slopes of Bierzo, in the province of León in northwestern Spain, this wine is born from old vines rooted in soils of schist, quartz, and clay. The vineyard, cultivated organically and biodynamically by the Michelini i Mufatto duo, is situated on mid-altitude plots benefiting from a temperate Atlantic climate. The significant temperature variations and cool winds promote a slow ripening of the grapes, preserving their natural freshness and the precise expression of the terroir, resulting in wines that are both profound and elegant.

The Post Crucifixion cuvée from the Michelini i Mufatto estate is made from meticulously cultivated vines, with the grapes hand-harvested to preserve the integrity of the berries. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in vessels chosen to respect the expression of the terroir, using gentle extraction techniques. The wine is then aged in barrels and/or neutral containers, on its lees, for several months to refine the texture and preserve freshness, without seeking a dominant oak influence.

This wine reveals notes of ripe black fruit , crisp red fruit , and violet , enhanced by hints of sweet spice , pepper , and licorice , as well as subtle smoky and mineral accents. On the palate, the wine is juicy and precise, supported by vibrant acidity , fine yet present tannins , and a silky texture that leads to a long, fresh, and flavorful finish.

The history of wine in Spain is so ancient that no one really knows who first brought the vines to the region. By the time the Phoenicians arrived some 3,000 years ago and founded the present-day cities of Cádiz and Jerez, viticulture was already well established, and Spanish wines were widely traded throughout the Mediterranean and North Africa. You could say that Spain is a winemaking miracle. After years on the sidelines of the world of fine wines, it is now a major player. Investment and ambition in vineyards and wineries are resulting in increasingly rich, complex (often high in alcohol), and spicy reds that are gaining popularity with international consumers. Proud to have more land dedicated to vines than any other country, Spain is only now beginning to capitalize on this resource in a consistent way. Spain is a chaotic jumble of regions and subregions, much like its landscape is a chaotic jumble of incredibly rugged scenery. A glance at a map reveals the climatic diversity among Spain's many wine regions, from the lush, green vineyards of Galicia on the northern Atlantic coast to the parched vineyards of the southeastern Mediterranean. Spain's saving grace for viticulture is the average altitude of its vineyards, which is over 600 meters. Many Spanish vineyards are thus able to produce grapes with good color and acidity simply because nighttime temperatures are relatively low and the grapes don't ripen until after a sufficiently long growing season. But there is a real treasure trove to be found for those willing to dig, and now that a class of connoisseurs has developed in Spain, all sorts of ambitious investors have done their part to change the image of Spanish wine. Today, a new generation of winemakers has quietly begun to craft spectacular wines and experiment with grape varieties that would have been unthinkable not so long ago. Wine remains an important commodity and an integral part of Spanish culture.