“The idea of wine is to reach the pinnacle of winemaking”, stated José Moro of Bodegas Emilio Moro winery. Located in Pesquera del Ribera in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain, Emilio Moro wines have consistently received 90 points and higher from Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Wine and Spirits, and Wine Advocate. During a recent Twitter chat, enthusiastic wine bloggers were introduced to José Moro and his wines. Each invited participant received three bottles to sample, share tasting notes, and learn more about this interesting man and Emilio Moro winery. And what did he mean about the “pinnacle of winemaking”? Read on.
José Moro is from a family that has been making wine for three generations. As a child, Moro and his brother accompanied their father in the vineyards and cellars to engage in the daily winemaking process. He feels that “the education that my father gave me is my inspiration and my passion-it has been my whole life.” After attending university, he returned to the family’s vineyards and entered the world of commercialized distribution. By 1988 José Moro invested in the family wine cellars “to produce wines from the unique Moro family clone of Tempranillo”, thus establishing the brand, Emilio Moro, now one of the most prominent in Spain.
On each wine label is a family photograph, a clear indication of tradition that is of paramount importance. Yet Moro explained that innovation is essential. The brand has research partnerships with universities; winemakers are consistently striving to excel in their knowledge of the land, the vines, and the process of winemaking so that each wine clearly expresses the terroir “and the best of Pesquera del Duero”. With the 2008 inception of the Emilio Moro Foundation, the winery engages in social responsibility and gives 100% of its proceeds from their Clon de la Familia wine to charity. The Moro family is active in charities related to art, “wine for water” initiatives, and more.
The wines sent to me for the Twitter chat and reviewed below are 100% Tinto Fino and reflect the distinct terroir of Ribera del Duera. Located at the highest altitude in Spain, the combination of contrasting diurnal temperatures and soil variations (chalk, rock, and clay) offer special qualities to these wines. The Tempranillo grape, especially the Emilio Moro family’s clone, has “amazing potential for longevity, complexity, and potential in the region”, stated José Moro. He believes “Tempranillo to be such a noble grape that we have chosen to work only with this variety.”
Named after the historic vineyard planted in 1932, the year of Emilio Moro’s birth, Finca Resalso 2014, our first wine, was fresh and young with aromas of intense red fruits. From the youngest vines, 5 to 12 years, this wine was aged for four months in American and French oak. On the palate, notes of mulberry, raspberry, licorice, spice and minerality were balanced with medium acidity and integrated tannins. Mellow and tender, this easy drinking wine had a perfectly satisfying, long finish. Pair the Finca Resalso 2014 with tapas, jamon, or chorizo. Cost is $14.99.
The phrase “pinnacle of winemaking” to some may indicate, simply, the ability to produce an outstanding wine. But I’m thinking that José Moro defines the “pinnacle of winemaking” as not only creating wine from the family’s unique clone that reflects the terroir, but engaging in authentic innovation and social responsibility. In his words, “we believe our wine, like life, to be a full experience.”
Cheers! ~ Cindy
