The Vigneview Verdict
This Bodegas Faelo La Dama Crianza 2017 is an excellent wine coming from Spain’s Alicante DOP. Made from biodynamic grapes grown on a family estate that is more than 100 years old, this wine exudes dedication and a passion not only for winemaking and viticulture but also preserving the local terroir. Despite being so close to the Mediterranean, the Alicante DOP benefits not only from a warm, lengthy growing season, but this idyllic terroir also offers cooling maritime breezes and well-draining sandy soils filled with minerality.
I really enjoyed this Bodegas Faelo La Dama Crianza 2017 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Monastrell grapes. Although this wine is labelled as a Crianza, it has been aged in oak for 1 year and then bottle-aged for an additional three years before release. The extended time both in barrel and in bottle imparts additional elegance and complexities to the wine.
Aromas of both red and black fruit, vanilla from the oak ageing and sweet spice greeted my nose. On the palate, this wine continues to offer a complexity of flavours such as red plum, cherry, cassis, as well as cinnamon and balsamic notes on the finish. Additionally, I detected subtle dried fruit and some leather, quite possibly from bottle ageing. At 13% abv, this wine is full-bodied, yet possesses well balanced acidity, smooth tannins on the mid-palate and a flavourful finish.
The Cabernet Sauvignon provides the cassis notes along with the fuller body and tannins to this blend. While the Monastrell offers fresh acidity, luscious, ripe red fruit flavours/aromas as well as a sweet spicy note and a bit of earthiness. This is a brilliant blend of two incredible grapes.
Food Pairing
I would pair this Bodegas Faelo La Dama Crianza 2017 with a lovely, succulent roasted leg of lamb, seasoned with fresh herbs.
Cheers! x
Producer: Bodegas Faelo, La Dama
Country: Spain
Region: Alicante DO
Vintage: 2017
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon and Monastrell
Closure: Cork
Style: Still
Colour: Deep ruby red with hints of purple
Sweetness: Dry
Price: €10.97 (Bodegas Faelo)
Acidity: Medium
Alcohol: 14%
Body: Full
Aromas/Flavours:
Red Fruit: Red plum, red cherry
Black fruit: Cassis
Spice: Subtle cinnamon and balsamic notes
Oak: Vanilla
Other: subtle leather and dried fruit notes from ageing
Drinking Window: Can drink now or hold for 5 – 6 years.