Summary

Discover the charm of Finca Helena from Bodegas Abadía San Quirce. With deep cherry hues and silky tannins, this Ribera del Duero wine embodies excellence. Founded in 1998, the winery prides itself on its meticulous care, from the legendary Finca Helena vineyard (planted in 1900!) to the 15 months of aging in French oak barrels. It is the essence of their distinguished winemaking tradition.

Tasting Notes

Deep cherry with a hint of violet, juicy blackberry, warm spices, and a touch of oak. It has a silky entry, elegant structure, and velvety tannins. It is smooth and leaves a pleasant aftertaste that lingers.

Background

Bodegas Abadía San Quirce, also known as Bodegas Imperiales, was founded in 1998 by the Antolín family and winemakers from Ribera del Duero, prioritizing excellence. The winery gained recognition through national and international awards, becoming a benchmark in Ribera del Duero. The location in the Gumiel de Izan area was chosen for its viticultural potential and tradition in the wine world, ensuring the perfect development of vineyards and wines.

The winery has 21 hectares and manages more than 80 additional ones. The special climate and soil help them cultivate high-quality grapes, mainly Tinta Fina with an average age of 40-50 years (some even older!). The iconic Finca Helena comes from vines planted in 1900, reviving winemaking traditions of the 19th century. Careful attention to every detail at each step is reflected in the final product.

Production Process

The special conditions of Ribera del Duero, hand-selected grapes, careful sorting, controlled fermentation, and aging in French oak barrels contribute to the unique character of their wines. They also have a system to ensure that everything is authentic and traceable.

The French oak barrels facilitate both alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation. The wine undergoes a 15-month aging process in high-quality barrels, followed by additional time in bottles to achieve its full expression. It is ideal for prolonged storage, allowing it to mature gracefully over several years.

Pairing

Ideal companions for this wine include game birds, hearty beef stews, as well as osso buco and oxtail dishes. The robust flavors of the wine complement the richness of these savory delicacies, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Serving Temperature

The recommended serving temperature is 16-18 degrees Celsius.