The Story
His charisma and discretion made Jean Leon a confidant to the stars, who embraced him as one of their own and trusted him with their unusual stories. Years later, when he had his own family, Jean Leon produced this organic wine in their honor. One of Spain’s Chardonnay pioneers, Vinya Gigi was the first to undergo barrel fermentation. The wine originates in a small, exceptional 5-hectare vineyard planted in 1967. Jean Leon named the vineyard – and the wine it produces – after his daughter.
Wines that originate from a single vineyard, a specific type of soil, and a microclimate that encourages maximum expressivity.
Vineyard: Vinya Gigi was planted in 1967 (exclusively Chardonnay). is 5 hectare vineyard that is planted on a hillside at an elevation of 300 meters. The vineyard has very compact calcareous clay soil with moderately deep, dark yellowish brown soils that are well-drained, moderately fine textured and contain a lot of stones. The soils are very compact and calcareous clay. Adequate levels of organic matter and very high levels of calcium carbonate and active limestone. The water holding capacity is high, but the soils drain swiftly. Since 2008 vineyard has been organicaly farmed.
Variety: Chardonnay 100%
Vinification: alcoholic + malolactic fermentation, 6 months lees aging in French oak + 6 months bottle aging
Production: 21,700 bottles
Alcohol: 13.5%
Description:
Very intense nose with remarkable buttery notes perfectly balanced by tropical fruit and a hint of toast and spices. Fresh upon entry, giving way to a long evolution across the palate and lively acidity on the finish.
Food Pairing:
Pairs well with fish served in sauces, au gratin recipes and paella. Also a good choice for white meat, especially fowl in light sauces.
Vintage 2018
SPAIN VINTAGE REPORT 2018
Wines from Spain has released its 2018 vintage report detailing the performance of each region, with most reporting a return to average yields following a challenging 2017 harvest, which saw widespread drought and heatwaves impact production.
“After several dry, hot vintages this year the rain came to Spain and in some regions the rainy spell lasted until early summer,” the report said. ” It was also a much cooler year with more gradual vine development and one where intense work in the vineyard was often necessary to keep yields in check and vineyard diseases at bay.
“The harvest began later and, with the benefit of fine weather in most of the country, picking took place steadily and well into the autumn. Yields were far more generous than last year and this should leave Spain in a strong competitive position.”
In brief:
– Weather: a cooler year with far more rain; fine harvest weather for most regions.
– Regional highlights: a far better year for Ribera del Duero, Bierzo, most areas of Castilla y
Leén and Valdeorras. Record crops for Campo de Borja and Monterrei and more
generous for Rioja and Carifiena.
– Wine character: fresher wines with moderate alcohol levels and strong varietal character.
Wine of Spain estimates a harvest yield of 48 million hl (source: OEMV), compared with the 36-38 million hl that was reported in 2017.
Recommended glass shape
Average Bottle Price
2020 |
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20€ |