By Matias Michelini
Corral de Los Altos Garnache 2019

Estate
Matias Michelini is a renowned pioneer and innovative organic/biodynamic "rebel," working alongside his three brothers with Zorzal in Argentina. They successfully branched out into Spain's Navarra region from the El Corral de Los Altos vineyards in Fitero. This single-vineyard expression comes from a 2-acre plot of old Garnacha vines.

Vintage
2019 was an epic year of perfect sanitary conditions in the vineyards. Despite overall dryness, there was no hydric stress due to the even rainfall distribution and mild temperature at harvest.

Winemaking
Alcoholic fermentation took place in open 4,000-liter wooden vats, using only natural yeast. It was then transferred to smaller 500-liter French oak for nine months and Flextank eggs for malolactic fermentation. Bottling took place in September 2021.

Tasting Notes
The aromatics reveal high-intensity black fruit such as blackberry, blackcurrant, black pepper, cedar, and earth notes. The palate is dry and fresh with soft tannins, delicious layers of blackcurrant, hints of minerality, and a long finish. Perfect with most grilled meats.
[Information provided by J.H.N.]

2019 Vina Zorzal Wines Matias Michelini GarnaCHE
Rating: 94
Producer: Vina Zorzal Wines
Wine Region: Spain, Navarra
Varieties: Garnacha
Color / Type / Sweetness: Red / Table / Dry
Reviewed by: Luis Gutierrez
Release Price: $40
Drink Date: 2023 - 2029
Another of the reds from the paraje El Corral de los Altos in Fitero is the 2019 Matias Michelini GarnaCHE produced by Matías Michelini from a 0.84-hectare plot in the zone. He fermented the grapes in an open pool and open-top barrels with full clusters and indigenous yeasts and matured the wine in three used 500-liter oak barrels and a 1,200 Flextank plastic egg for one year. This is very young and primary, with the wild and slightly raw style from Michelini, with the slight influence from the stems, with abundant, grainy tannins and a vibrant finish. This is going to develop nicely in bottle, and the earthiness and the wilderness should be softened by the time in bottle. [...] It was bottled in September 2021.
Published: Nov 11, 2021