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 jewel of global viticulture. It comes from a mythical plot with centenary vines that survived phylloxera, maintaining a pure genetic strain of Tinta del País. Produced by the prestigious winery Viña Sastre, this single-estate wine represents the pinnacle of Ribera del Duero: a strictly limited production that combines the raw power of clay-limestone soil with an aristocratic sophistication unattainable for younger vineyards.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: Viña Sastre (Sastre Brothers)
Origin: Centenary 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 notable glyceric density and an anticipated monumental structure.
Nose: Stratified and complex bouquet. Unfurls notes of liqueur-soaked black fruit, winter truffle, graphite, and black pepper, all set against a distinctly mineral and noble wood background.
Palate: Powerful and voluminous entry. Its tannins are refined, aristocratic in style, balanced by a vibrant acidity that promises an eternal finish and a sublime evolution.
3. Style Analysis
4. Pairing and Recommendation
Premium Game: The ultimate companion for venison loin in black fruit sauce or traditional jugged hare.
Haute Cuisine: Extraordinary with long-aged Dry Aged Tomahawk steak, Beef Wellington with foie gras, or dishes with fresh black truffle.
Artisanal Cheeses: Pairs with extremely aged artisanal Manchego or elegantly intense blue cheeses.
Serving: Serve between 17°C and 19°C. A minimum of 60 minutes decanting is required to allow the wine to fully open.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes a pre-phylloxera vineyard so special?
These are extremely rare vineyards that survived the 19th-century plague. As they are not 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 deep decanting, but this wine is primarily designed for cellaring. Collectors prefer it after 10 or 15 years in the bottle, when the tannins become pure silk.
