Author: Dirk Chan
Our final paid fundraiser for Al Fresco and E4C School Lunch Program will feature a library tasting of famed Rioja producer Sierra Cantabria.
Please join Michael Fregen of Christopher Stewart Wine & Spirits as we host a tasting of this exclusive 108 hectare estate, founded by Guillermo Eguren and now run by fourth generation winemaker Marcos Eguren.
Sierra Cantabria has come to the forefront of Spanish wineries in the last 15 years. This is from the extreme care that they give to their vineyards, located in the best terrain of Rioja, the savoir-faire of Marcos and his price-conscious policies. Vineyards are located in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, one of the most famous towns in Rioja, known for the quality of its grapes. The wines are carefully hand de-stemmed and are still foot pressed. The grapes are sourced on 267 acres (108 ha), from 1,440-1,740 ft. above sea level (480-580 m), spread among the towns of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Labastida, and Laguardia.
The proportions of grapes are 91% Tempranillo, 3% Malvasia, and 6% Viura. 75% of the production comes from their own vineyards, the rest they buy from local growers. They have been doing ecologically conscious agriculture in their own vineyards for the last 12 years. Average production 0.5 t/acre (hectare is 5,000 kg). The soil is composed of Clay-lime, the best soil of Rioja. The climate is Continental, with the influence of winds from the Atlantic, but protected from more severe weather by the Sierra Cantabria Mountains.
This is a rare opportunity to try some of these world class wines some of which have never been poured in Western Canada! The feature wine is the 2004 El Pundito, Wine Enthusiast’s #1 Wine of the Year in 2007. Funds from this event will help us put on the 3rd Annual Al Fresco Block Party scheduled for Saturday, June 11th. Only 18 seats available for this high-end sit-down tasting so book soon here..
Also, please visit our online Al Fresco auction here..