January 2025 Tinto Club

Pago Aylés 2020 Senda de Leñadores Regular Price: $26.99 Club Price: $ 24.65 Buy Now

Pago Aylés is one of those wineries where history, nature, and a bit of dream-chasing all come together.

Pago Aylés began as the dream of Federico Ramón, who set out in 2003 to have this remarkable land recognized as Aragón’s first Vino de Pago. A "Pago" is a prestigious designation in Spain, awarded to the most exceptional wine estates based on unique terroir, history, and quality. Federico believed deeply in the uniqueness of his estate, and just before his passing, Aylés became Spain’s 10th Vino de Pago and the only Pago in Aragón. Today, his three children continue his work, crafting wines that honor their father’s vision and the land he cherished.

The estate feels like a world of its own – full of striking contrasts. This land has been shaped by nature and history for centuries. Winemaking here dates back to the 12th century, when Spanish monks first planted vines in the area. The Huerva River weaves through the landscape, carving dramatic ravines as it winds past Monte San Pablo, which has stood as a silent guardian over the vineyards for generations. Beneath the surface, caves and underground rivers add to the mystery of the place, while clay, limestone, and chalk soils create the perfect conditions for growing exceptional grapes. 

Aylés isn’t just a vineyard – it’s a thriving ecosystem. The land teems with wildlife, and its biodiversity has earned it the designation of a Special Bird Protection Area (ZEPA) by the European Union. This connection to nature is reflected in how the winery operates. Since the 2020 vintage, all of Aylés’ vineyards have been certified organic, with a strong focus on sustainable farming. The Ramón family sees themselves as caretakers, preserving the land’s delicate balance, producing wines from exceptional terroir that reflect the unique character of this extraordinary place.

The wine in your glass is a blend of 55% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo, 10% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from a very healthy vintage. The Garnacha adds vibrant color, rich concentration, and beautiful balance. The Tempranillo, perfectly ripe, brings strength and provides a solid foundation for the blend. This vintage of Merlot contributes a smooth, velvety texture with a long, lingering finish. Together, these grapes create a wine that is bold, well-rounded, and full of character.

I really love this blend. It’s powerful and elegant with polish. Reviews mention that it has excellent aging potential, with a window of 8 to 10 years. I couldn’t wait that long – it’s too delicious right now! I'm considering pairing it with some grilled rosemary and garlic lamb chops from the grill. The rosemary and garlic should complement the wine’s depth, while the rich, savory lamb will bring out the fruit intensity and balance. Enjoy!

94 points Tim Atkin

Valdemuz Margon 2020 Prieto Picudo León Regular Price: $45.99 Club Price: $ 39.09 Buy Now

Back in 1995, Eugenio González, one of the guys behind Bodegas Margón, started his viticulture experience in Pajares de Los Oteros (a municipality a little south east of Leon), tinkering away in one of those old cave-wineries alongside Raúl Pérez — You’ll hear his name a lot if you hang around long enough in the world of curious wines. Together, they started to figure out the best way to bring out the character in Prieto Picudo – a grape that’s got all kinds of potential if you know how to work with it.

 Raúl Pérez

Prieto picudo grape is distinguished by its tight cluster and berries shaped oval and finished in tip, hence the name of the variety; prieto and Berry cluster beaked shaped.

It wasn’t just about the grapes, though. They knew the secret was in the age of the vines and the vineyard, and letting nature just do its thing. Raúl and the team take this seriously – they farm organically, sticking to local traditions that keeps things in balance with the land. In the cellar, Raúl keeps it simple and natural – native yeasts, little to no sulfur, and big old barrels that have seen plenty of seasons and some of the reds hang out in those barrels for a long time — some of the single parcel wines, Raúl lets them age under flor, the way sherry does. He believes this technique smooths out the acids and tannins, leaving behind wines that are layered, complex and elegant.

Fast forward about ten years, by 2006, Eugenio teamed up with Alfredo Martínez Cuervo, a businessman with a shared passion for this little project — but would only continue the project as long as  Raúl Pérez stayed on as technical director, ever since he’s been the guy behind the wines. It was around then that Margón started acquiring plots in Pajares de los Oteros 75 little parcels that cover about 19 hectares.) Most of these vines are over a century old, some past 120 which is pretty rare, In fact, Margón is the only winery working exclusively with old vineyards that have been around longer than most of us!

Valdemuz has an ultra classic profile and is already developing aromatic complexity and tertiary aromas that are subtle and complex, with hints of spices and smoke. It is balanced, and the tannins are polished, still abundant and slightly dusty, giving it the rustic-elegant style.

If you’re like me and love wines with a story and a bit of soul, this is one project you’ll want to keep an eye on.