- Name: The Rockroses
- Bodega: Fountains of Silence
- Add: 2020
- Type of wine: Tinto
- Variety: Mencía, Prieto Picudo and Alicante Bouschet
- Region (DO): PGI Castile and Leon
- Breeding: 9 months in oak vats
- Alcohol: 14% Vol
- Format: 750 ml
- Cata: Intense, complex, balsamic and exuberant
- Precio: 15 €
- Point of sale: www.fuentesdelsilencio.com
Las Jaras is the most special wine of Fuentes del Silencio. The flagship of the winery, the spoiled child. Born in the shelter of the highest mountain in León, Monte Teleno, which deflects the rainy fronts from the northwest ensuring the healthiness of the vineyard that gives it its name, the vines that give life to this wine are located settled on an old gold minea deposit exploited during the Roman Empire that still preserves some traces of this precious metal that provides exceptional yeasts and bacteria to the soils, and transfer a greater richness of flavours to the wine. Elegant, aromatic and fresh wines, children of the altitude and the microbiota of the terroir, which give a new meaning to the Mencía, the Prieto Picudo and the Alicante Bouschet varieties. These are varieties that are well established in the region, which are mixed with a few strains of Palomino, Godello, Verdejo and Doña Blanca, planted at the beginning of the 20th century.
This privileged environment is precisely what makes the wines of this winery from León unique. “In order to preserve the natural wealth that we have inherited, we cultivate all our vineyards using the organic production method,” explains Miguel Ángel Alonso, founder of the project born in 2013 in the Jamuz Valley. A practice that is respectful and committed to the environment, which highlights the organic fertilization of the land, the absence of herbicide treatments and the rational fight against pests and diseases based on biological control techniques. This is maintain the enormous biodiversity and microorganisms that inhabit these soilsand terroir rated by the Californian company Biome Makers as one of the most exceptional in the world.
The philosophy of Fuentes del Silencio is based on the recovery of century-old vineyards, which have been abandoned over time due to the loss of population in the area. This practice not only contributes to the natural environment, but also It boosts the rural economy by helping to create jobs in the village.“We make our wines in an artisanal way, in wooden vats after a manual harvest, taking care and pampering each stage, from the vineyard to bottling,” adds Alonso.
2020, the year of plagues
The year 2020 was not only significant for humanity, but also for the vineyard. While people were fighting Covid, the vine was facing another disease: Mildew, a feared fungus that can damage crops. Regions such as Galicia and Catalonia were the most affected during the first weeks of spring. This sign alerted the winery, which closely monitored each plot to come out on top in its first certified organic viticulture vintage. The work of the winery’s professionals, led by Marta Ramas, was joined by that of a topographical ally that protects the vineyards, Mount Teleno, which deflects rainy fronts from the northwest, preventing humidity in the vineyards and the spread of mildew.
Vineyard of Fountains of Silence
That’s why Las Jaras 2020 is doubly extraordinary. Firstly, for having won the battle against mildew, and secondly, for proudly bearing the organic seal. A village wine that comes from different selected plots along the Jamuz Valley, whose name pays homage to the rock rose, the flower that predominates in the landscape that sees these plots grow with vineyards with an average age of around 70 years. Pampered and grateful vines that result in a fruity, rounded and exuberant wine thanks to its location in the south of the valley, at a lower altitude, with more clayey soils and a higher percentage of prieto picudo.
Recommended pairings for Las Jaras 2020
The intensity and body of this wine make it the best companion for powerful recipes, such as oxtail, game meat, lamb, rabbit or red meat. Manchego or Idiazábal cheese, as well as a good plate of Iberian ham or cecina from León, go perfectly with it. From Cocinillas, we suggest you uncork the 2020 vintage of Las Jaras together with traditional Leonese dishes, such as botillo, a hearty dish that will help balance its fat.
