El Paso del Lazo inspired by Japanese minimalism shows great wines do not have to come at a great cost. El Pazo del Lazo started out and will continue make an enormous impression on the modern wine world. What is its secret? Keep it simple and allow all the pureness of the fruit to show its true worth in every mouthful. Fruit forward wine that represents quality and affordability, meaning that everyone can enjoy these Spanish wines. When we see you smiling we know there is more than one reason why.
DAVID TOFTERUP C.O.O. & Head Winemaker Born 1975 - Esberg, Denmark At the age of 15 David migrated with his family to the Costa del Sol in Spain, and it was here that his interest in the Spanish language, culture, gastronomy and wine took form. Appreciation for quality wine and food has been a passion of David s ever since. His interest for wines, however, was not just limited to consuming, but rather in the art and technique of winemaking. Moving back to Copenhagen on his own at the age of 18, he graduated from Copenhagen Business College in 1995. In 1998 he received Cellar Master designation in Denmark and started on his adventures travelling around the wine world. He has worked as an assistant winemaker at prestigious wineries worldwide, including Mont Marçal (Penedes, Spain), Château Lestage-Simon (Haut-Medoc, France), Viña Tarapacá (Maipo Valley, Chile), Foley Estates and Lincourt Vineyards (Santa Barbara, California-USA) and a short experience with Kumala (Cape Town, South Africa). David joined Hammeken Cellars, at the time known as Vinnico Export, in 2001. He was given the title and responsibilities of head winemaker and immediately began to build his team of winemakers and create the company s award winning wine collections: Montgó, Flor del Montgó, Viña Altamar and Aventino as well as highly recognized single label wines such as, Tosalet and Creencia. David s experience and international travels and adventurous creativity are the root to his success. Having participated and worked with both New World and Old World wines as well as International and National grape varieties he has gained first hand knowledge of the vulnerability of the fruit and the different effects climate, soil and care have on the end result. His fusion of styles draws attention to native Spanish grapes varieties; old un-grafted vineyards-low yielding vines mixed together with the modern fresh fruity power of the juice. His contemporary Spanish wine style has awakened the market to a NEW SPAIN, a more competitive Spain, and most importantly a more enjoyable Spain. His contemporary wines have been able to cross boarders and generations drawing people together with one common interest- WINE. Hammeken Cellars wines have captured and reflect David s adventurous spirit as Spain and it s culture and landscape has captured his heart. Spain, for a winemaker like me, is like an endless palette of colors. With more than 60 different appellations and endless vineyards of native Spanish grape varieties, the creative canvas for winemaking is infinite. For a creative, passionate winemaker this is inspiration enough to last a life time. David Tofterup
Vino de la Tierra de Castilla More than 40 varieties. 500-1000 m. Soils vary enormously. Extreme continental with long hot summer. 300-400 mm. Viticulture was introduced by the ancient Romans 200 BC. It has since been an important part of the local culture in La Mancha. Is was not until after the establishment of numerous wineries in the 1940 s that viticulture seriously took off. Ever since it has been an essential part of the local economy in many municipalities. Today the vast majority of the vineyards are planted with the white Airén and the local strain of Tempranillo, also known as Cencibel. A major part of the white Airén is vinified as base wine for the production of Spanish Brandy. Other main varieties include Macabeo, Verdejo, Garnacha, Bobal, as well as a few international varieties. Around 50% of all the plantings are dry farmed and low bush trained, yielding exceptionally low yields with concentrated fruit. Landscape and Terroir Located on the southern part of the Spanish plateau, covering all municipalities in Castile La Mancha. Vineyards cover almost half of Spain s vineyard, more than 400,000 ha, hence being the largest wine region in the world. Vines are planted on flatlands and gentle slopes between 500 to 1000 meter above sea level. Soils vary enormously, but generally vines are planted on the poorest soil with low water holding capacity, where other crops cannot grow. This restrics yields and gives concentrated grapes. CLIMATE Extreme continental with long hot summer, temperatures frequently over 45ºC, and cold winters with temperatures as low as -15ºC. Huge diurnal temperature variation, providing cool nights which helps to fixate colour and aroma, as well as retain natural acidity in the grapes. With only 300-400mm of annual precipitation, mainly falling in winter, which means that drought is an annual worry and low density bush vines is still a norm to supply just enough water for vines to survive.
EL PASO DEL LAZO Tempranillo - Shiraz 2013 / VINO DE LA TIERRA DE CASTILLA / SPAIN Appellation: Grape Variety: Age of Vines: Vineyards: Yield: Ageing: Oak Profile: Bottling Date: Production: Vino de la Tierra de Castilla 100% Tempranillo +30 years old Head trained, spur bush vines on Spanish plateau 25 hl/ha Partially 100% French Oak February 2014 25000 Cases of 9 L WINEMAKING The grapes were handpicked at the optimum stage of ripeness during the month of September. The wine was vinified with a cold maceration at 5ºC during 48 hours. Temperature controlled fermentation at 24-28ºC in stainless steel tanks. Maceration time 12-18 days. Part of the wine was aged for 2-3 months in French oak barrels before being blending back into the final blend. TASTING NOTES Clear deep ruby red color with purple highlights. Clean medium intense aromas reminiscent of black cherries, mature strawberries with notes of exotic spices and eucalyptus. On the palate it is medium dry, medium-full bodied, soft tannins and a long finish. AWARDS Silver Bacchus Competition Silver Concours Mondial Alcohol Residual Sugar Total Acidity Volatile Acidity ph 13,5% 6,00 GR./L 5,30 GR./L 0,50 GR./L 3,58
EL PASO DEL LAZO Tempranillo - Shiraz 2013 / VINO DE LA TIERRA DE CASTILLA / SPAIN CASE x12 BOTTLES 750ml. CASE x6 BOTTLES 750ml. FRONT LABEL BACK LABEL
EL PASO DEL LAZO Viura - Verdejo 2014 / VINO DE LA TIERRA DE CASTILLA / SPAIN Appellation: Grape Variety: Age of Vines: Vineyards: Yield: Ageing: Oak Profile: Bottling Date: Production: Vino de la Tierra de Castilla 80% Viura - 20% Verdejo 12-25 years old Head trained, spur bush vines on Spanish plateau 25 hl/ha Stainless steel None February 2015 22000 Cases of 9 L WINEMAKING The grapes were mechanically harvested during night and early morning hours during the first 2 weeks of September. Slow pneumatic press cycle, cold settling of the musts for 24 hours. Racking and fermentation at low temperature 16-18ºC with aid from selected yeast strains. TASTING NOTES Clear pale lemon grass color. Clean medium intense aromas reminiscent of citrus, lime, peaches and ripe pineapple. On the palate it is off - dry medium bodied, fruity with pleasant acidity and medium long aftertaste. Alcohol Residual Sugar Total Acidity Volatile Acidity ph 12,5% 3,50 GR./L 5,51 GR./L 0,34 GR./L 3,27
EL PASO DEL LAZO Viura - Verdejo 2014 / VINO DE LA TIERRA DE CASTILLA / SPAIN CASE x12 BOTTLES 750ml. CASE x6 BOTTLES 750ml. FRONT LABEL BACK LABEL
EL PASO DEL LAZO Tempranillo Rosé 2014 / VINO DE LA TIERRA DE CASTILLA / SPAIN Appellation: Grape Variety: Age of Vines: Vineyards: Yield: Ageing: Oak Profile: Bottling Date: Production: Vino de la Tierra de Castilla 100% Tempranillo +30 years old Head trained, spur bush vines on Spanish plateau 30 hl/ha Stainless steel None January 2015 18000 Cases of 9 L WINEMAKING The grapes were handpicked at the optimum stage of ripeness during the month of September. The grapes had a cold maceration at 5ºC during 24 hours. After bleeding vats and doing a cold setting for 24 hours the clear juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks at a temperature between 12 and 16ºC, for three weeks. TASTING NOTES El Paso del Lazo Rosé has a freshness of summer and affordability to enjoy all year round. It has an inviting color of ripe raspberries and refreshing aromas of wild strawberries. The wine has a crisp red currant acidity combined with sweet summer strawberries and ripe cherries; a contrasting combo that leaves your palate tingling with the anticipation of another sip. Alcohol Residual Sugar Total Acidity Volatile Acidity ph 13% 4,00 GR./L 5,20 GR./L 0,30 GR./L 3,30
EL PASO DEL LAZO Tempranillo Rosé 2014 / VINO DE LA TIERRA DE CASTILLA / SPAIN CASE x12 BOTTLES 750ml. CASE x6 BOTTLES 750ml. FRONT LABEL BACK LABEL