Benjamin Romeo & Ismael Gozalo Pirata 2014 Magnum

A very unusual wine sold as Vino de Mesa, as it blends wine from Rueda and Rioja and is a joint-venture with Benjamín Romeo of Contador in Rioja, is the so called 2014 Pirata. The wine is 50% Verdejo from Rueda and the other half a blend of Rioja grapes: Viura, Garnacha Blanca and a touch of Malvasía Riojana. Both wines fermented separately, one in Rueda and the other one in Rioja, in oak barrels; it was then blended and matured in a 1,300-liter, oval-shaped oak vat manufactured in Germany, where the wine matured with the lees for some ten months. This wine is only produced in magnum, and therefore the price is for a magnum. There was an unusual note that reminded me of a peated malt whiskey, perhaps because of the new oak vat, complemented by notes of yellow apples and decayed flowers. The nose is fascinating, with something earthy and organic. The palate is much fresher than expected, and although it does not have very high acidity, it has very tasty finish. 800 magnums produced.