Region: Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Varietal: 100% Tempranillo

Tasting notes: This is a hefty Spanish Tempranillo with aromas of deep black cherry, red currant, blackberry with subtle forest, mushroom, toasted barrel notes.  Strong, dry tannins frame the rich plummy fruits, dry cocoa and lively mouthfeel.  Best with roasted meats, slow barbecued pork, grilled beef or stews.

Producer: Martúe is one of the most exciting wineries to have emerged from the up-and-coming wine region of Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain, producing high-quality wines at accessible prices for everyday drinking. Martúe was the dream of Fausto Gonzalez, who planted vines in 1990 near La Guardia de Toledo, just southeast of the city of Toledo. In 2009 the estate earned the prestigious and rare designation of DO Pago Campo de La Guardia due to its location in a special enclave with complex soils at 850m elevation at the convergence of two tectonic plates near the Tagus River in central Spain.

Vineyard and Winemaking: Evolution is produced from estate-grown Tempranillo grapes. Farming is sustainable, and the wines are made without any additions. Alcoholic fermentations are spontaneous with indigenous yeasts. The goal is to make wines with maximum character. Grapes are harvested at night as quickly as possible. As all of the vineyards closely surround the winery, the grapes are crushed and begin fermentation immediately. This is a testament to the great care taken by the team, and the results are felt in the quality of the finished wines, which are fresh, balanced, and delicious.