Baja wine: 2017 Vinos Pijoan Convertible Rojo red blend

2017 Vinos Pijoan Convertible Rojo red blend

Baja California Norte,
Mexico

13.9% alcohol

Empty bottle weight: 17.9 ounces / 508 grams

Cork closure

This wine is a blend of both red and white grape varietals, all from the Valles de Ensenada. Thirty percent of the wine is made up of red grape Nebbiolo and 8% is comprised of white grape varietal Colombard, both from the better known Valle de Guadalupe growing region. Grown in granitic soil, between the surrounding mountains and the dry river bed valley floor, these two grapes offer structure to the finished wine.

The other two red grape varietals in this wine were grown in the nearby Valle de San Vincente. Fifty percent is Ruby Cabernet, a child of well-know Cabernet sauvignon (it’s other parent is Carignan) and the remaining 12% is Barbera, both from a vineyard with red clay loam soil, adding concentrated notes to the structured base.

Once harvested, a little Colombard was added to each red grape varietal, and all fermented separately, first in stainless steel tanks and later in both American and French oak for 4 months. Then owner/winemaker Pau Pijoan mixed all the individual components together and aged the final blend another 6 months. After a total of 10 months in oak, he bottled everything, offering the wine you can now buy today.

Bouquet and palate:

Fruity black cherries and wild strawberries were followed closely by prominent tannins and notes of spice box and vanilla. This red blend was actually quite light and versatile, perfect for pairing with many types of food.