What would Spain be without the Tempranillo grape? We don't know either. But a non-alcoholic wine made from the Tempranillo grape is truly special. Aldea Winery is certainly aware of this, specializing in non-alcoholic wines. Winemaker Manuel Gil has access to the finest vineyards between the municipalities of Cuenca and Toledo, in the heart of Don Quixote. Tempranillo thrives here, with plenty of sunshine and a cool breeze, ensuring a ripe and full harvest. This is mainly due to the strong soil structure, which contains a lot of clay and gravel, allowing the vines to easily absorb moisture. This is essential, as summers can get very hot.
The harvest of the Tempranillo grapes
Once the harvest has reached the ripeness winemaker Manuel Gil aims for, the Tempranillo grapes are harvested early in the morning. This protects the bunches from both oxidation and damage during transport to Aldea. All the grapes are then sorted at the winery, and only the best are processed into red wine. Afterward, the alcohol is extracted from this red wine, a unique process that Aldea specializes in. The aromas and flavors are preserved, which explains the beautiful and unique style of this alcohol-free red wine.
The aroma and taste of the Aldea Tempranillo
Upon pouring, we see a typical Tempranillo color: deep red with a purple hue. Aromas of forest fruits and a touch of spice make the initial taste fantastic. Swirl the glass, and we also smell nuances of pepper, spiced nuts, and a touch of fresh red jam. The palate also boasts plenty of red fruit with a lovely spiciness. While making an alcohol-free red wine isn't easy, this Aldea Tempranillo is a true star in our selection.