Bodega Cerrón / Stratum Wines, Matas Altas

Stratum Wines is a project from Bodega Cerrón in Jumilla, steered by the fourth generation of the Cerdán family: siblings Carlos, Juanjo and Lucía. The family biodynamically farms about 30 hectares of high-altitude ungrafted vines, mostly Monastrell, on calcareous soils. Their farming was certified organic in 1989, and they have recently received Biodynamic certification through Demeter. In the cellar, they work in a low-intervention style, with only spontaneous fermentations with native yeasts. Sulfur is used cautiously and only at the bottling stage.  Matas Altas is 95% Monastrell, with small amounts of co-planted local varietals such as Moravia Agria, Blanquilla, Forcallat, Bobal and Rojal. The Monastrell grapes were harvested, by hand, from old vines (50 to 80 yrs). The grapes were mostly destemmed, leaving 20% whole, and fermented in wooden vats and open barrels. The wine was aged for 11 months in 5000-litre foudre and used 500-litre barrels. Afterwards, the wine was bottled without filtering or clarifying. The calcareous soils of the vineyard give the wine a distinct profile of full maturity and concentration, whilst also being fresh, agile and fine. Here's a taste of what you can expect from this wine:Aromas: Welcoming notes of black raspberry, strawberry compote, hibiscus and green peppercorns can be detected in the aromas.Palate: This wine is juicy, with an energetic acidity that harmonizes beautifully with its minerality. The finish is supple with a soft, smoky tannic bite that doesn’t distract from its crisp and refreshing profile.Serving Temperature: It is best served slightly chilled, and pairs perfectly with grilled sausages.