Coloma Alarije, Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura

Description

Coloma Alarije is a white wine bottled as a Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura. The Alarije grape, once thought to be a part of the Malvasia family, is quite commonly grown in Extremadura. It grows well here as it is heat and drought resistant and is capable of producing sufficient acidity in the short, hot growing system.

Bodegas Coloma is a family run wine estate located in Extremadura near the Portuguese border where the family has been making wine for over a century. Don Francisco Coloma began making wine in the late 19th century in Villanueva de los Infantes Valladolid in Castile y Leon. However it was his son, José Felix who, seeking warmer weather, moved to the region Extremadura. He eventually settled in Alvarado on the banks of the Limonetes creek, a tributary of the Guadiana River, where he planted his first vines. The wines of Extremadura are mainly drunk locally in Spain and precious little is sold for export, although this is changing. There are an abundance of undiscovered gems, like Bodegas Coloma, in the region. Coloma is regarded as one of the most modern and best producers and they grow both local Spanish as well as international grape varieties. In 1998 Coloma completely enlarged and modernised their cellars with the newest technology. Today the wine maker is Amelia Coloma who implements a program of sustainable viticulture. All grapes are harvested by hand into small plastic cases, to ensure the grapes reach the winery, a short distance away from the vineyard, in best condition.

The grapes for the Coloma Alarije come from the family’s El Colmenar vineyard. They are harvested at night in the middle of August. They are gently pressed, destemmed and undergo a period of cold maceration. The wine is unoaked and is bottled as a Blanco Joven.