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D.O. Bierzo



Casar de Burbia "Hombros"

The Wine
Produced from 100% Mencia, a varietal from the Bierzo wine region on the Pilgrimage Road to Santiago de Compostella in north-west Spain, Hombros represents the height of passion and detail in every aspect of the winemaking process. From the microclimate, high altitude, hillside vineyards and bare minimum crop production to the meticulous selection of French and American oak and gravity racking, no aspect is overlooked. The brilliant purple-red color leads to aromas of blackberries, raspberries, licorice, and a subtle hint of vanilla. Full bodied with plenty of silky glycerin, the concentrated fruit balances harmoniously with the oak and moderate tannins, while a generous dose of natural acidity contributes to the wine's liveliness and length. Best enjoyed after decanting or a little time in the glass, Hombros reflects the passion and spirit of Bierzo's history, land and people.



In the Vineyard
Tucked in the mountains at the convergence of Asturias, León and Galicia on the ancient and famous pilgrim trail to Santiago de Compostela (Camino Santiago), Bierzo has a long history of viticulture. The actual Camino Santiago cuts through a number of Casar de Burbia's vineyard plots. With its own microclimate, much like that of Bordeaux, and its rocky soil of quartzite and slate, the area was ideal for the early pilgrims and monks to plant the mencia vines.

With around 40 acres under vine, Casar de Burbia's vineyards are situated on the south facing slopes of the Valtville de Arriba Mountains at an altitude of just under 3000 feet. The high altitude allows for ample temperature swings from day to night, helping to concentrate the grapes and protect them from disease. A good portion of the vines is over 60 years in age with many reaching back at least 100 years. Orientation of the rows provides maximum exposure to all bunches. All work in the vineyard is performed by hand, including winter pruning, thinning, green pruning and harvest.

Hombros
The name of the wine "Hombros," meaning "shoulders," comes from a unique, yet traditional and laborious, practice of pruning the lower grapes of the best bunches, leaving just the tops or the shoulders. Carried out while the grapes are still hanging, the hombros pruning ensures optimal ripening and concentration for each individual grape.


In the Bodega
This family bodega, is owned and run by a very passionate young man named Isidro Fernández Bello. With a total production of just under 6,000 cases, nothing escapes his meticulous scrutiny. Since mencia has traditionally produced fairly thin wines, Isidro achieves maximum concentration in the vineyard, but also provides for more extraction when it comes time for fermentation in the temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, which are sized at a one by one ratio of height to diameter. The large ratio allows for a bigger cap and smaller volume. This allows for greater extraction with the frequent cap punch-downs and pump-overs.




Isidro Fernández Bello (2nd from left) is never far from the bodega or vineyards. Pictured in front of a recently planted parcel, he is always seeking ideal conditions for plantings such as these, as well as grafting new vines to old rootstock in portions of the vineyards. Getting to know Isidro is getting to know the land and the grapes, and Hombros is the product of that passion and history. As Isidro says, "Hombros is not just a name, it is a philosophy."









VinLozano Imports Inc.
"Spirited Wines of Spain"