Numanthia
History and Background
Numanthia, founded in 1998 by the Eguren family in the Toro region of Spain, quickly established itself as a leading producer of powerful and robust red wines. Named after the ancient city of Numancia, known for its resistance and resilience, the winery embodies these qualities in its approach to winemaking. Numanthia’s commitment to preserving old vines and low-yield vineyards has resulted in wines that are concentrated, complex, and highly acclaimed internationally.
Vineyards and Terroir
Numanthia's vineyards are located in the Toro region of Spain, covering approximately 80 hectares of old vines:
Soil Composition: The soils are composed of sandy loam and gravel, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the intensity of the wines.
Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Tinta de Toro (a local clone of Tempranillo), producing powerful and robust wines that reflect the unique terroir of Toro.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: Numanthia’s wines are renowned for their robust elegance and intricate complexity. The flavor profile is rich, featuring deep notes of blackcurrant, plum, and layers of spices. Additional aromas and flavors, such as tobacco and cedar, enrich the sensory experience. The wines are characterized by a pronounced tannic structure which, paired with the high acid content, equips them with notable freshness and an outstanding potential for aging.
- Winemaking Philosophy: Numanthia’s philosophy in winemaking is deeply rooted in an approach that honors both tradition and innovation. They are committed to sustainable and organic vineyard practices, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship. This philosophy extends to meticulous attention to vineyard management, with practices such as hand-harvesting and green harvesting employed to maintain the highest quality of grapes possible.
- Influence on Style and Quality: Numanthia’s commitment to meticulous vineyard management and thoughtful production techniques significantly influences the style and quality of their wines. The careful selection and management of the vineyards, dedicated methods like hand-harvesting, and the strategic use of French oak aging all contribute to producing wines that are both powerful and refined. The freshness and structure provided by the high acid content, combined with the complexity afforded by oak aging, results in wines that are not only intense and flavorful but also possess a remarkable capacity for aging, making them celebrated for their depth, elegance, and longevity.
Reputation
Numanthia is a highly respected wine producer based in the Toro region of Spain, renowned for its powerful and robust red wines, particularly those made from the Tinta de Toro grape, a local variant of Tempranillo. Established in the mid-1990s, Numanthia quickly gained acclaim for the intensity and depth of its wines, epitomized by its headliner "Termanthia," considered one of the finest examples of Toro's winemaking prowess.
The prestige of Numanthia stems from its dedication to showcasing the unique terroir of the Toro region. The vineyards are characterized by extreme climatic conditions, with hot summers and harsh winters, which contribute to the low yields and high concentration of flavors in the grapes. Additionally, some of the vines are over a century old, providing an added layer of complexity and rarity to the wines.
Numanthia's winemaking process also adds to its esteemed reputation. The use of traditional techniques, such as foot-treading the grapes and minimal intervention in the cellar, ensures that the wines express the authentic character of the land. This commitment to preserving the natural qualities of the grape and the terrain has helped Numanthia earn numerous accolades and maintain its status among the top wine producers in Spain.
Final Thoughts
Numanthia stands out in the Spanish wine scene for its exceptional dedication to crafting concentrated and robust Tempranillo wines in the Toro region. Established in 1998, the winery has quickly ascended to acclaim, especially noted for its headliner Termanthia, sourced from ancient vines that endure the harsh, arid climate to produce remarkably expressive and age-worthy wines. Numanthia's meticulous approach to low-yield viticulture and traditional, labor-intensive methods, including hand-picking and foot-treading, ensure a legacy of quality that has earned them international praise and high ratings from critics, securing their position as a distinguished and influential voice in Spanish winemaking.