
The El Cortijillo Estate
El Cortijillo means the little farm in Spanish. The wine is made by Vinicola de Castilla in Manzanares (Ciudad Real) in an up to date, state of the art winemaking facility (30,000 sq meters/300,000 sq ft) with the capacity of producing 2 million liters and holding 8,000 barrels. Founded in 1976, it's a privately owned corporation (not a co-op). Since its inception, a DO La Mancha pioneer in fruit-driven young wines, barrel-aged reds and varietals. More than 600 international awards for their wines.
Production by type: 65% Red wine, 35% White and Sparkling.
Export sales represent 50% of the production. The winery exports to 22 countries.
Capacity is 20,000,000 liters, currently running at 12,000,000 liters of yearly production.
This Bodega likes to promote their Crianza wines.
The El Cortijillo Vineyards
The winery and the vineyards are all located in the "La Mancha" DO. Tempranillo is the primary grape varietals and it represents 70% of the total production.
They grow the following 5 red grape varietals:
· Tempranillo
· Cabernet Sauvignon
· Merlot
· Petit Verdot
· Syrah
They also grow the following 6 differents types of White grape varietals:
· Verdejo
· Airén
· Macabeo
· Sauvignon Blanc
· Moscato
· Chardonnay.
The wines are all produced with grapes they only grow themselves. They own 50 hectares, and they currently rent another 550 hectares (long term leasing contract).
El Cortijillo Tempranillo La Mancha is made from 100% Tempranillo
Up front aromas of raspberry and cherry fruit, medium to light weight, Rhône wine in character, cherry fruit flavors, followed by bright acidity. Reminds of a mythical cross between a Pinot Noir and a Côtes-du-Rhône. Pleasant and fun, bistro red.
Made from 30 year old vine.
Delicious with Paella, hamburger or pasta. But also great with grilled vegetables. (bell pepper, eggplant, etc)
Pulled from a Gentleman's cellar, all wines from this cellar have been purchased by the owner either from the importer or direct from winery. They stayed in his cellar until being moved to the Timeless Wines warehouse.
Chateau Arnauds des Bordeaux Rouge is made from 100% Merlot.
The wine shows a deep red purple color and intense aromas of black fruits (blackcurrant, black cherry) with hints of liquorice. Very fruity and well-balanced. It is powerful and well structured in the mouth with round and silky tannins, ripe flavors of black fruits. Strong and a slightly spicy finish.
Grapes are coming from 30 year old vines planted on gravelly soils.
The land benefits from sun exposure, warmth and humidity that are strong assets for the vine culture.
The wine pairs well with game meat and beef on the grill.