La Osa Trasto Tinto Tierra de León 2020

Realizing the scarcity of profound, dynamic expressions of unique varietals such as Prieto Picudo in the global wine market, the ambitious winemaker Noelia de Paz is finally realizing her independent LaOsa mission to work closely with the local farmers to produce small production wines from her native DO Tierra de León. Today, Noelia, who refers to herself as LaOsa (the Bear) carefully elaborates some of Spain’s mostly harshly ignored varietals, Prieto Picudo (Tinto) and Albarín (Blanco), in the Municipal of Valdemimbre in the southwest of León, within the Province of Castilla y León. 

We tasted and positively loved this red named Trasto, which is slang for Rascal, an affectionate nickname Noelia's mom used to call her when she was being naughty as a child:) Noelia picks the grapes earlier than is the norm in this region, crafting a fresher, balanced, 13.5% alcohol red. Our notes read : 'Wildly delicious smelling bouquet leads to bramble, wild blueberry, blackberries and espresso flavors. Ripe but not overripe. This will make a terrific summer red, and all year long for that matter.'

Made from 25 years old vines, dry farmed vineyards, sustainable, (non-certified) organic in Tierra de León. This is one of the windiest growing regions in Spain, and that affects the grapes through the development of thick skins. Alluvial clay soils allow for good water retention, although the region sees very little rain (< 20 inch/year). Poor nutrient profile in the soil means little green harvesting is needed to naturally achieve a very low 2-3 tons per acre, giving high quality and high concentration juice in the grapes.

Made of hand Harvested, destemmed, native fermented Prieto Picudo for 20 days, later pressed into neutral barrel for 4 months. Delicate wetting the cap with minimal extraction. 10% of previous vintage is kept in barrel and blended back into for complexities and balance. This vintage, Noelia strives to seek restraint with less agitation of this tender and expressive Prieto Picudo beast. 

2020 – a moderately warm vintage with little rain – very uneventful. A good and rainy Spring allowed for substantial water retention in the alluvial clay soils to keep the summer soils hydrated. Very healthy grapes with a bit more concentration of fruit than previous years. Maintains freshness.

Noelia considers this 2020 to be her best vintage to date. Nose of poutpourri and boisenberry. Hints of frambois. Density and grip on the mid-palate, finish with medium bodied, chalky tannins that are matched with dark fruits and eucalyptus. The presence of Prieto Picudo is firm but gives way to juicy fruits. heavy potpourri and dried purple flowers.