Compania de Vinos del Atlantico Yecla Gordo Tinto 2021 750ml

Product Info

94pts Wine Enthusiast
Deep ruby to the eye, this wine has a nose of blackberry, black cherry and rose petal. Floral notes underlie bold frui-of-the-wood flavors that are flecked with touches of baking spice and encased in a web of luxurious tannins that endures on the tongue and gums.

Terroir
The Gordo Tinto hails from the sun-drenched, high-elevation plateau of Yecla in southeastern Spain’s Murcia region. Sitting between 400 and 800 meters above sea level, the vineyards benefit from limestone-rich, alluvial soils and the wide diurnal temperature swings of the interior plateau, which help retain acidity in this naturally warm climate. The region’s semi-arid Mediterranean climate, with intense sunlight and scant rainfall, concentrates flavor and structure in the grapes while preserving aromatic clarity. The vines, many of them over 40 years old, grow in poor, calcareous soils that stress the plants just enough to produce small, deeply pigmented berries—ideal for bold yet balanced wines. The 2021 vintage was marked by moderate heat and a long harvest window, giving Monastrell (Mourvèdre) exceptional ripeness without excess alcohol, a hallmark of Yecla’s emerging finesse.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Crafted under the guidance of Carlos and Patrick Fernández, the Gordo Tinto is composed primarily of Monastrell, blended with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon to lend supple fruit and aromatic lift. Grapes are hand-harvested and gently crushed before undergoing temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, preserving the purity of fruit and regional character. A brief period of aging in used French and American oak barrels (approximately 3–4 months) adds polish and subtle spice without masking the varietal integrity. The resulting wine sits at 14% alcohol, yet remains remarkably balanced due to the natural acidity and tension preserved by Yecla’s altitude. Minimal fining and filtration ensure authentic texture and density in the glass.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Gordo Tinto 2021 reveals a deep ruby hue with violet reflections, hinting at its youthful energy. Aromas are intense and inviting, offering layers of black plum, blueberry compote, licorice, dried herbs, and warm spice, accented by a touch of vanilla bean and cocoa from oak integration. On the palate, it is ripe and generous yet structured, with plush flavors of dark cherry, fig, blackberry, and espresso carried by a core of mineral tension and firm, dusty tannins. Mid-palate richness gives way to a refreshing lift of acidity, which keeps the wine buoyant and food-friendly. The finish is long and savory, echoing notes of roasted Mediterranean herbs, cracked pepper, and dark chocolate. It’s a wine that balances power with poise, showcasing the modern elegance of Yecla’s best reds.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve at 60–64 °F (15–18 °C) after a 30-minute decant to let the Monastrell’s darker aromatics unfurl. This versatile red pairs beautifully with grilled meats, braised lamb shanks, or smoky Spanish chorizo. The wine’s bold fruit also complements roasted root vegetables, tomato-based pasta dishes, and aged Manchego cheese. For a regional pairing, enjoy it alongside morcilla (spiced blood sausage) or slow-cooked rabbit with rosemary and garlic. It’s an excellent choice for casual Mediterranean fare or hearty winter meals, delivering both generosity and depth. Drink now through 2028 for peak vibrancy and integration.