A blend of different varietals from multiple parcels around the town of Valladepera. All old vines, between sixty and a hundred years old, farmed organically by Alvar. Arrieros is fermented in plastic bins and open top oak vats, lots of whole bunches and a very gentle foot stomping then aged in two well seasoned 1,000l vats and a couple of 500l barriques. This is lithe, medium bodied, brambly and darkly fruited in a slightly sour currant and cranberry way. Tannin is smooth, long and elegant - in the words of Luis Gutierrez:
"The 2017 Camino de los Arrieros, which is approximately 25% Juan Garcia, 15% Bastardo, 20% Trincadera, 10% Rufete, 10% Mandon and the remaining made up of white grapes fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in 1,000-litre oak foudre and 500-liter barrels for six months. Despite the character of the vintage the wine is only 12.5% alcohol, and yes, feels a little riper when tasted next to the 2018, but it's still a medium-bodied, lightish and pale red that is characterful and easy to drink, with some cherries and wild herbs and very fine, almost unnoticeable tannins. It's simply delicious. 8,800 bottles were filled in June 2018."
