Tranco - Ole Imports

Tranco
Tranco is an estate-bottled wine made by Señorío de Barahonda, the oldest winery in the Yecla DO
region. Tranco combines the spicy character of Monastrell and the richness of Cabernet Sauvignon.
In the words of Robert Parker, Tranco is a “marvelous bargain”. Tranco is produced from
organically farmed vineyards by winemakers Araceli Gonzalez Martinez and Agustin Carrion who
are key figures in bringing back the true potential of the Monastrell grape in the south east of Spain.
Tranco’s complexity will matched up to high end California Cabernets at a fraction of the price.
This consistency and quality is a byproduct of Yecla, Spain which is a semi-dessert terrain and has
a very consistent climate. Señorio de Barahonda, was established by the Candela family in 1925.
Monastrell is better known as Mourvèdre in France’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, where the
terroir and climate are similar to Yecla. Both regions have a Mediterranean climate with warm
days and nights. Located in the warmer southeast part of Spain, Yecla is one of the country’s oldest
wine regions, with a rich history that dates back to the 6th Century. In recent years, the astounding
rediscovery of Yecla by American journalists and consumers has prompted international acclaim
for wines based on Monastrell. Native to Spain, Monastrell was brought to France around the 5-6th
Century. Monastrell is the fourth mot planted red grape in Spain after, Tempranillo, Bobal and
Garnacha. Tranco is the name of a local game that Alfredo Candela used to play extremely well
when he was younger. Alfredo is the younger of the two brothers owning Señorío de Barahonda.
WHAT MAKES THIS WINE UNIQUE?: Produced from organically grown grapes located in the high elevation district of
Campo Arriba in Yecla. Tranco taste like a high-end Cabernet Sauvignon from California at a fraction of the price. It
combines the spicy character of Monastrell (aka Mourvedre) and the richness of Cabernet Sauvignon.
RATING HISTORY: 2013 89IWC; 2010 90RP
GRAPE: 75% Monastrell, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. Organically grown vines planted in 1987. Tended in limestone, sand
and clay soil at 713 m (2,339 ft) elevation
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: This wine has such a ripe, red berry, floral and spice character, with succulent and juicy flavors,
it will pair with a wide range of cuisines and foods. Tranco's sweet fruit is well balanced and its acidity will help it pair well
with Asian, Indian, Cajun and southwestern Tex-Mex spices.
VINIFICATION AND AGEING: 3 Months in French and American Oak 50% 225lit and 50% 500 lit barrels.
LOCATION, SOIL, CLIMATE: The vineyards are within the Yecla DO (Zone 8), within Murcia in southeastern Spain. The
vineyards are in the Campo Arriba district of Yecla, at 713 meters (2,339 ft.) elevation. Monastrell is the most planted
grape in this area and is the second most planted red grape in Spain. Yecla’s higher altitude results in cooler temperatures
than neighboring regions, which makes wines that are brighter and more aromatic. The soils are composed of limestone
and chalk with clay and gravel subsoils, low in organic matter. The soils are deep and have good drainage. The clay
subsoil retains water, which is essential for the health of the vine in this arid climate. This results in greater overall
concentration and complexity in the wine. The average temperature from May-October is 66ºF, with only 13 inches of rain
per year. The climate is Mediterranean with a light Continental influence, due to its higher altitude.
TASTING NOTES Bright purple. Smoke-accented dark berries and cherry compote on the perfumed nose. Gently sweet
cherry-vanilla and blackberry flavors pick up a peppery nuance with air, along with a hint of anise. Closes with building oak
spice and smoke notes, leaving a jammy blackberry note behind.
ALCOHOL CONTENT: 14.0 %
Alberto Orte
UPC CODE: 8437008409917