2019 Cantadora "The Protector" Tempranillo
2019 Cantadora "The Protector" Tempranillo
This wine is dedicated to the story of Sonia Melara, co-founded the first domestic violence shelter in California, La Casa de las Madres, in 1976.
95% Tempranillo /5% Graciano
100% Shake Ridge Ranch, Amador County
10% of Sales supports La Casa de Las Madres
92pts Wine Enthusiast
"The Protector: 95% Tempranillo/5% Graciano
Winemaker’s Notes:
Picked: 9/20/19
Cases Produced: 140
Bottled: 6/30/21
Alcohol: 13.5%
Aging: Fermented open top, racked once, aged in 70% neutral oak, 30% new French oak barrels for 21 mo. Unfined, unfiltered. Limited SO2 used at bottling.
This Tempranillo is split between two blocks, one is on granitic soil and one volcanic. One is valley floor and one is hillside. One is a more tannic clone, one is more interplanted with Graciano to give more acidity in the final blend. Organically and sustainably farmed. This wine is an ode to the Gran Reserve Rioja style with rich layers of dark fruits and a warmth and spice note on the palate with 30% new French Oak. Drinking well now and for 20-30 years.
Sonia Melara
Sonia Melara moved to California from El Salvador as a teenager. She co-founded La Casa de las Madres, the first domestic violence shelter in California, in 1976. She is a lecturer in social work at San Francisco State University and the Executive Director of Rally Family Visitation Services of Saint Francis Memorial Hospital. She has served on numerous boards and commissions in the SF Bay Area.
10% of the sales supports La Casa de Las Madres