Milmanda, DO Conca de Barberà — 2016
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Introduction
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1,000 years of history. Milmanda was part of a route of medieval castles that sheltered Christians during the period of the Reconquista. The 12th century brought peace to the region and with it the return of winegrowing. In the vineyards around the castle, the Torres family now grows Chardonnay to produce this exclusive wine.
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The Estate
- DO Conca de Barberà, Milmanda
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Vineyard Profile
- Size: 15 ha/ 37 acres
- Vine Age: 1980
- Soil: Deep silt-rich calcareous clay soils that are moderately well drained and have a very high water holding capacity. They encourage balanced vegetative growth in Chardonnay and produce wines that are very varietally expressive and well suited to barrel aging. Reddish marl formations dating from the Oligocene period.
- Elevation: 500 m
- Orientation: NE
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Vintage Report
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The 2016 growth season experienced normal precipitation levels in keeping with the annual average. Temperatures were within normal range during the vegetative cycle, with spells of warmer weather.
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Vinification
- Fermentation: 2-3 weeks barrel fermented (100%) at 16ºC
- Malolactic: Later partial malolactic fermentation (50%).
- Aging: 10 months of lees aging in vats.
- Barrel Aging: Aged in 300-liter barrels (60% new oak) for 4–6 months.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- TA: 5.3 g/L
- p H: 3.19
- RS: 0.6 g/L
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Tasting Notes
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Milmanda is a crisp, refreshing white wine with lively aromatic expression and a medium body. Notes of oak and orchard fruit dominate the palate supported by layers of ripe pineapple, bright citrus and a smoky finish. This is a Chardonnay to enjoy with roast pork or barbecued seafood.
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Images
Reviews
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Familia Torres Milmanda, DO Conca de Barberà — 2016 – Wine Spectator – 94 Points
This bold and sinewy red is packed with flavor. Notes of steeped black cherry and currant are teamed up with graphite, wild herb and espresso underpinnings. A vibrant acidity accentuates the tea, spice and orange peel elements, marking the long finish.
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Familia Torres Milmanda, DO Conca de Barberà — 2016 – Vinous – 93 Points
Pale yellow. Fresh Meyer lemon, pear nectar and toasted brioche on the deeply perfumed, mineral-tinged nose. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering densely packed citrus and orchard fruit and sweet butter flavors plus an exotic touch of mango. Shows sharp clarity and mineral cut on the persistent finish, which features a building floral quality and a hint of tarragon.
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Familia Torres Milmanda, DO Conca de Barberà — 2016 – Decanter – 92 Points
This Chardonnay vineyard is planted outside the walls of the medieval Milmanda Castle on silt-rich calcareous clay soil. Decreasing use of new oak means the 2016 vintage was aged for six months in barrel, then 10 months in stainless steel, with lees stirring to create texture. The result is a lovely silkiness to the mid-palate, cut through with laser-sharp acidity. There's an attractive tautness here, with fresh grapefruit and lime balancing the ripe citrus and preserved lemon notes, plus an underlying mineral backbone. Mediterranean aromas of honeyed citrus and dried herbs with fresh thyme...
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Familia Torres Milmanda, DO Conca de Barberà — 2016 – James Suckling – 93 Points
A complex and dialed-in style that has fresh pastry and apples with apple-pie flavors and sot, baked-apple flavors at the finish. Drink now.