Vinem by Bodegas Esteban Martin

Wines from Carinena DO

Please note: these wines are no longer available. If you are looking for an interesting Carignan, check out the Domaine Jones Vineyard Collection Carignan Old Vines.

Carinena DO, established in 1932, is one of Europe’s oldest protected wine-growing regions. Located 56 kilometers southwest of Zaragoza, it is part of the autonomous region of Aragon in northern Spain. The Calatayud DO lies just to the west of Carinena DO. Carinena DO is named after the Carinena grape, perhaps better known as Carignan in France and Mazuelo in other parts of Spain. However, Garnacha remains the dominant grape variety.

The Carinena region experienced a rapid period of renewal and development in the 1990s, leading to the consolidation of many small wineries and cooperatives. Over the past decade, around 5,000 hectares have been restructured, incorporating modern viticultural practices and a more quality-oriented approach.

The style of Carinena’s bodegas is also evolving. Smaller estate producers have emerged in recent years, a novel trend for an area traditionally dominated by cooperatives. Simultaneously, there has been a shift towards more modern winemaking techniques, resulting in higher-quality Carinena wines that are more approachable, modern, and suitable for the international market.

 

 

 

 

 

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Vinem wines are made by Bodegas Esteban Martin, established in 2003, a family-owned winery located in Alfamen in the heart of Carinena. The vineyards are situated at the foot of the Sierra de la Virgen mountains between 400m and 800m above sea level, with dry, stony soil. The dry climate has quite extreme temperatures but is influenced by the cold, dry Cierzo wind which helps to maintain low humidity.

 

 

 

 

 

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Traditional Carinena grape varieties are cultivated (Garnacha, Tempranillo, Mazuela, Macabeo and Muscat) but there are also plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay.  Bodegas Esteban Martin’s winery combines the ancient tradition of Carinena with the very latest wine-making technology to produce structured, intense red wines and aromatic, harmonious and persistent white wines with distinctive modern personalities.

Vinem Tinto Garnacha / Syrah Carinena DO, Bodegas Esteban Martin 2011

Tasting Notes: Vinem Tinto Garnacha / Syrah has a good deep purple colour. The nose is youthful and intense with notes of ripe berry fruits and floral notes. The palate is well structured and rounded with good acidity, mature fruits and sweet tannins. Soft easy drinking.

Vinem Rosado (Rosé) Carinena DO, Bodegas Esteban Martin 2011

Tasting Notes: Vinem Rosado (Rosé) is a brilliant deep raspberry colour, with intense aromas of strawberry, strawberry and cream. There are also floral rose notes. On the palate it is full and clean, with a vibrant acidity and textured lush berry fruits, lingering and persistent on the finish.

Vinem Blanco Chardonnay / Macabeo Carinena DO, Bodegas Esteban Martin 2011

Tasting Notes: Vinem Blanco Chardonnay / Macabeo is a bright yellow straw colour with aromatic citrus, zesty, floral aromas and subtle tropical notes. The palate is very clean, with a notable freshness of apple and pear flavours. Harmonious and persistent.