Quinta de Aves Syrah
Quinta de Aves Syrah is an award winning, small production, wine from one of Spain’s areas producing ‘Volcanic wines’. There is a current interest in these wines and Quinta de Aves is from one of the most important volcanic regions in the Iberian Peninsular – Campo de Catatrava.
The grapes are sourced from 7ha of 15 year old vines – a trellis plantation on deep, stony, and cool soils that force the plants to self-regulate, resulting in the grape giving its best.
Harvested in small quantities in the early morning to take advantage of the coolness of dawn, the grapes pass through a manual selection table.
During fermentation a cryomaceration process is carried out at low temperatures to enhance the expression of the variety and its sensory qualities and maintain the freshness obtained. There is then a manual racking and a subsequent very light pressing. The must is transferred to the tanks by gravity, thanks to the height difference of the hillside. There are 49 stainless steel tanks, digitally controlled and heat is provided by a bio-mass boiler.
Thanks to malolactic fermentation, aging for three months on its lees and a light touch of new oak the desired smoothness and aromatics are achieved.
A deep, long lasting aroma of red fruits and strawberry with the merest touch of spice; the finish is long and surprisingly soft and silky for a full bodied Syrah.
Pairs well with cheeses, cured meats, rice dishes, pasta, legumes, white and red meats.
About the Producer
Quinta de Aves
The estate, Finca La Cañada, which comprises 500ha and several farms was acquired in the 1980s by Don Manuel Casado Casla. After 25 years dedicated to improving the quality of the vineyards his family decided to start producing and bottling their own wines under the brand Quinta de Aves.
Quinta de Aves is located in the heart of Campo de Calatrava, one of the areas of volcanic origins in the Iberian Peninsula with most recent activity. These volcanic soils have an extreme importance in the viticulture; influencing the mesocclimate that surrounding the vines and through the roots transmitting a unique character to the wines.
The oldest vines are 50 years old, many other plots over 30. The 81ha of vineyards (within a 500ha estate) are on a plain at about 725m surrounded by hills; the soil is limestone quartzite and slate. There is little summer rainfall but the subsoil of calcium carbonate has excellent ability to retain water.
Grapes are grown under organic viticulture criteria and techniques to value and preserve the environment. Cultivation techniques prioritise manual options, mechanical work adapted to carefully take care of the vineyard and everything surrounding it – paying attention to the flora and fauna, especially birds (over 100 migratory species, drawn to the large ponds) which inhabit the environment.
The Quinta de Aves winery was built in 2006 and is integrated into the vineyard. An unobtrusive, functional building, half of which is underground, was designed in line with the company philosophy: respect of the environment, traditions and technological modernity. It sits on a hill overlooking the countryside. Set within Pyrenean and Holm oak groves its colour blends into the landscape and its profile into the surroundings, designed to go unnoticed and leave nature to take the leading role.