Carril del Rey 2019 | Bernabeleva | Garnacha | Madrid

Wine Identification
Carril del Rey is a red wine produced by Bernabeleva, located in the Vinos de Madrid denomination within Spain. This specific bottle is from the 2019 vintage. It comes from a single 4.2-hectare parcel in the Sierra de Gredos area.

Origin and Winemaking
The wine is crafted exclusively from Garnacha grapes sourced from old vines, approximately 75 years of age. The vineyard features southern exposure and granite soils. Vinification begins with a 24-hour pre-fermentative maceration in a refrigerated truck. The fermentation process utilizes 100% whole clusters (including stems) at low temperatures, followed by a 45-day maceration period. Gentle manual punch-downs are employed to manage extraction levels. Native yeasts are used for fermentation, and the wine is produced with low sulfite additions.

Aging involves 11 months in 500-liter French oak barrels from various cooperages, followed by five months in stainless steel tanks for natural stabilization. The final alcohol content is 13.25% vol., and only 2,600 bottles were filled in May 2021.

Tasting Profile
The wine presents a cherry color. On the nose, it offers a complex, expressive aromatic profile characterized by spicy notes, mineral undertones, red fruit, and mountain herbs. The palate is described as elegant, full-bodied, long, and persistent. The Wine Advocate notes that the 2019 vintage is pale and delicate, with floral and ethereal qualities driven by its low alcohol and vibrant acidity (pH 3.28). It features very fine, grainy, and textured tannins.

Critical Reception
The wine has received high acclaim from notable critics:
Guía Peñín: Awarded a score of 95.
The Wine Advocate (Parker): Awarded a score of 94+. The review suggests the grapes were picked early compared to the unusually ripe 2018 vintage, resulting in a wine with vibrant palate characteristics and fine tannins.