Alvar de Dios is a devoted artisanal winemaker based in the Toro D.O., a Spanish wine region that was traditionally known for leathery and overly robust wines, not unlike the over-the-top looks from the 80's! Born into a family of winemakers in the village of El Pego, Alvar decided to venture outside of his hometown to learn and perfect his craft. The young Spaniard was hired as the cellar master for Fernando Garcia at Bodegas Marañones 10 years ago in the Sierra de Gredos region.
As he worked for Fernando, he split his time between Toro and the Gredos mountains. Purchasing his first vineyards in his native DO, the terroir of the Arribes DO quickly caught Alvar’s attention. In Arribes he found a terroir reminiscent of that of Gredos – high altitude soils infused with granitic sand and mica, as well as a wide range of highly expressive indigenous grapes.
Alvar is flipping the script on the typically gaudy flavor profile of Toro wines, instead of using organic and biodynamic viticulture to create ultra-fresh, nuanced and ethereal creations.
In this 2022, Phuket Top Wine is proudly introducing you the production of this amazing wine maker. We imported two series from Alvar de Dios that you would not want to miss!
Tio Uco 2020
GRAPE VARIETY: Garnacha , Tempranillo
SOIL: Clay limestone, sand, gravel Clay limestone, sand, gravel
FERMENTATION: Hand harvested, partially destemmed , 24-48 hour pre-fermentation maceration, native yeast fermentation, 20 day maceration
Alc.: 14.5%
TASTING NOTES: Tio Uco 2020 is a juicy red wine with intense aromas of red fruits, mineral notes and menthol touches. On the palate this fruity character persists, making it fresh, smooth and agile
FOOD MATCH: Chicken stew, Rice with meat, Cold meat, grilled red meats, Semi-mature Cheese
Reward : 91 Robert Parker
Camino de los Arrieros 2018
GRAPE VARIETY: Rufete, Juan García, Trincadeira Preta, Merenzao, Mandón,
SOIL: Sand, red slate
FERMENTATION: Hand harvested, whole cluster, natural yeast fermentation in 1000L French oak vats, pigeage.
Alc.: 12.5%
TASTING NOTES :Camino de los Arrieros 2018 is a deep, meaty and austere red wine. This vintage is rustic and elegant in equal parts. The aromas of ripe black fruit stand out in the nose, with distinguished spicy notes and a very elegant toasted touch. On the palate it displays volume, with a rather full mid-palate and a fresh and lingering finish.
FOOD MATCH: White meat with sauce, Pork stew, Rice with meat, Cold meat, Grilled lamb
Rewards: 93 Robert Parker ,91 Guia Penin