The Calatayud region in Northern Spain resembles parts of Utah or Arizona with tall red buttes and dry arroyos in a high plains atmosphere. In the village of Villarroya de la Sierra the arid landscape is punctuated by old vine Garnacha grape vineyards as well as cherry and almond orchards tended by the local farmers. Bodegas Terra Sigilata, named after the Roman ceramic factories when amphorae were made that once existed here, is a small winery making traditional young wines from the local Garnacha grapes. The old Garnacha vines have deep root systems to draw moisture from the arid soil. Up at 1000 meters in altitude, the highest limit at which grapes will ripen, these old vines produce dark, concentrated fruit that in turn makes rich expressive wines.
Bodegas Terra Sigilata is located at one of the highest points in Calatayud, a DO known for its old-vine Garnacha. The 2010 Filon was sourced from 30- to 40-year-old vineyards. It offers up notes of smoke, mineral, and wild cherry that mingle with layers of ripe cherry fruit on the palate. Showing a nice elegance not usually common at this price range. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.
$9.99 per bottle or $101.90/case ($8.49)