PAGO DE SANTA CRUZ
SINGLE-ESTATE WINE • RIBERA DEL DUERO
"The ultimate expression of terroir: an exceptional red born from old pre-phylloxera vineyards, crafted by the Sastre family to transcend time."
The Living Legacy of Tinta del País
Pago de Santa Cruz is a gem of global viticulture. It comes from a mythical plot with centuries-old vines that survived phylloxera, maintaining a pure genetic heritage of Tinta del País. Produced by the prestigious winery Viña Sastre, this unique single-estate wine represents the pinnacle of Ribera del Duero: a strictly limited production that combines the raw power of the clay-limestone soil with an aristocratic sophistication unattainable for younger vineyards.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: Viña Sastre (Sastre Brothers)
Origin: Centenarian plot in La Horra, Ribera del Duero, Spain
Varietal: 100% Tinta del País (Pre-phylloxera Tempranillo)
Aging: 18 to 30 months in new French oak barrels
Alcohol Content: 14.5% Alc. Vol.
Presentation: 750 ml
2. Sommelier's Notes
Appearance: Opaque and deep cherry red, almost impenetrable. Reveals a notable glyceric density and a structure that anticipates monumentality.
Nose: Layered and complex bouquet. Unveils notes of luscious black fruit, winter truffle, graphite, and black pepper, all set against a distinctly mineral and fine wood background.
Palate: Powerful and voluminous entry. Its tannins are refined, aristocratic, balanced by a vibrant acidity that promises an eternal finish and sublime evolution.
3. Style Analysis
4. Pairing and Recommendation
Elite Game: The ultimate companion for venison loin in black fruit sauce or traditional wild hare.
Fine Dining: Extraordinary with a long-aged Dry Aged Tomahawk steak, Rossini Sirloin with foie gras, or dishes featuring fresh black truffle.
Artisan Cheeses: Pairs with extremely aged artisan Manchego or elegantly intense blue cheeses.
Serving: Serve between 17°C and 19°C (62°F and 66°F). A minimum decanting of 60 minutes is required to allow the wine to open fully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes a pre-phylloxera vineyard so special?
They are extremely rare vineyards that survived the 19th-century plague. Not being grafted onto American rootstock, they offer a pure and ancestral expression of the grape, with very low yields and a natural concentration impossible to replicate.
Is it suitable for immediate consumption?
Yes, after a thorough decanting, but this wine is primarily designed for aging. Collectors prefer it after 10 or 15 years in the bottle, when the tannins become pure silk.
