Bodega Numanthia

Bodega Numanthia: A Unique Wine

Wine, a true work of art, embodies cultural heritage and the expression of a terroir. Among the most emblematic producers of the Iberian Peninsula, Bodega Numanthia stands out for its visionary approach to viticulture, its rigor, and its attention to detail. Since its founding, this estate located in the heart of the Toro appellation in Spain has gained international renown thanks to powerful and elegant wines that reflect the rich history of the region.

Today, Bodega Numanthia is synonymous with exceptional wines, renowned for their intensity and aging potential. You can discover and purchase these wines on 12bouteilles.com, a platform dedicated to lovers of great wines. In this article, we will delve deeply into the history of the estate, the unique characteristics of its wines, the grape varieties that compose them, as well as the vinification techniques and food pairings that make them exceptional wines.

History of Bodega Numanthia

The history of Bodega Numanthia begins in 1998 when it was founded by the Eguren family, visionary winemakers from Rioja, another prestigious Spanish wine region. The name "Numanthia" pays homage to the ancient city of Numancia, known for its heroic resistance against the Roman invasion in the 2nd century BC. This spirit of endurance and perseverance perfectly reflects the identity of the estate and its wines, capable of defying time while retaining their strength and character.

The Toro appellation, where Bodega Numanthia is located, enjoys an extreme climate, marked by scorching summers and harsh winters. This unique terroir, characterized by poor and stony soils, gives rise to powerful and concentrated wines. These harsh conditions recall the resilience of the inhabitants of Numancia and also define the essence of the estate's wines.

In 2008, Bodega Numanthia was acquired by the French luxury group LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), a major player in the wines and spirits sector. This acquisition allowed the estate to increase its international renown while maintaining limited production to guarantee the exceptional quality of its wines.

Unique Characteristics of Bodega Numanthia's Wines

The wines of Bodega Numanthia are distinguished by their depth, complexity, and ability to age for decades. Each cuvée reflects the perfect balance between power and elegance, with rich aromatic notes and well-structured tannins.

The extreme climate of the Toro region and the old vines (some over 120 years old) contribute to the concentration of aromas and flavors. These vines, deeply rooted in poor soils, naturally produce low yields, ensuring intense concentration in each bunch.

The wines of Bodega Numanthia are also renowned for their exceptional aging potential. Thanks to robust tannins and a solid structure, these wines evolve favorably in the cellar for several decades, developing fascinating tertiary aromas of leather, tobacco, and truffle over time.

Bodega Numanthia's wines combine natural power, brought by the Tinta de Toro grape variety, with rare finesse. This duality between strength and elegance is one of the estate's signatures, as they work meticulously to extract the best from each vintage.

Grape Varieties and Blends: The Tinta de Toro

The main grape variety used by Bodega Numanthia is Tinta de Toro, a local variety of Tempranillo adapted to the extreme conditions of the region. Tinta de Toro is known for its robustness, thick skin, and intense aromas.

The Tinta de Toro is the very essence of Bodega Numanthia's wines. This grape variety, which grows on pre-phylloxera vines (ungrafted), is particularly well adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of the region. Thanks to slow maturation, the grapes reach optimal sugar and tannin concentration, resulting in wines with aromas of black fruits, spices, and minerals.

Bodega Numanthia rigorously selects grapes from different plots based on their sun exposure and terroir. This approach allows the estate to create complex wines, where each plot brings a specific dimension to the final wine.

Vinification Techniques

Bodega Numanthia employs vinification techniques that respect both tradition and innovation. The goal is to preserve the unique character of the terroir while optimizing the extraction of aromas and tannins to create structured, concentrated, and balanced wines.

Harvesting is done entirely by hand to ensure meticulous selection of grapes at full maturity. The bunches are sorted multiple times, first in the vineyards and then at the winery, to retain only the highest quality berries.

The grapes are then destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. Fermentation is long (about 25 days), allowing optimal extraction of tannins and aromas. A post-fermentation maceration of several weeks is also practiced to refine the tannic structure.

The wines are aged between 18 and 24 months in French oak barrels, a significant portion of which are new. This barrel aging imparts subtle woody notes of vanilla and spices while preserving the freshness and minerality of the wines.

Food and Wine Pairings: Enhancing the Power of Toro Wines

The wines of Bodega Numanthia pair wonderfully with rich and complex dishes capable of supporting their powerful structure and intense aromas. Here are some pairing suggestions to enhance these exceptional wines:

Red Meats and Game

The tannic structure of Bodega Numanthia's wines pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted red meats, as well as game. A beef fillet or a leg of lamb will beautifully accompany a glass of Numanthia or Termanthia, the estate's premium cuvée.

Spicy Cuisine

The spicy and peppery notes of Toro wines harmonize well with dishes based on chili peppers or paprika. A grilled rib-eye steak with pepper sauce is a sublime pairing for these intense wines.

Aged Cheeses

Hard and aged cheeses, such as Manchego or Parmesan, are ideal partners for Bodega Numanthia's wines. Their richness and complexity balance well with the power and aromatic depth of the wine.

Awards and Recognitions

Since its creation, Bodega Numanthia has been praised by critics and has received numerous prestigious awards. The estate's wines are regularly rated above 95 points by renowned critics like Robert Parker, and the Termanthia cuvée has often been designated as one of the best wines of Spain.

In 2004, the 2002 vintage of Numanthia was selected by critic Robert Parker as an "exemplary" wine, propelling the estate onto the international scene. Other vintages have also been awarded gold and silver medals in international wine competitions.

Conclusion: Bodega Numanthia, A Unique Wine Experience

Bodega Numanthia embodies the very essence of powerful, elegant Spanish wine capable of defying time. With precise vinification techniques, ancestral grape varieties, and an exceptional terroir, this estate produces wines that offer a unique sensory experience with each tasting. Available online at 12bouteilles.com, these exceptional wines deserve a place of honor in the cellar of any lover of great wines.

FAQ about Bodega Numanthia

Which grape varieties are used by Bodega Numanthia? The main grape variety used by Bodega Numanthia is Tinta de Toro, a local variety of Tempranillo.

How are Bodega Numanthia's wines aged? The wines are aged between 18 and 24 months in French oak barrels, with a significant proportion of new barrels.

What is the aging potential of Bodega Numanthia's wines? Thanks to their solid tannic structure, Bodega Numanthia's wines can age for several decades, evolving towards complex tertiary aromas.

What are the best food pairings for Bodega Numanthia? Bodega Numanthia's wines pair well with red meats, game, and aged cheeses.

Where can I buy Bodega Numanthia's wines? You can buy Bodega Numanthia's wines online at 12bouteilles.com.

What are the emblematic wines of Bodega Numanthia? The emblematic cuvées include Numanthia, Termes, and the prestigious Termanthia.