The history that lies behind OSMO wines
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OSMO CRIANZA. How it all began:
There are numerous history books about wine and it is incredibly easy to unearth information on the history of wines from Spain’s different regions and others from around the world by using the Internet (history of Chilean wine, history of Rioja wine, history of Jerez wine…) but we want to share a more personal, intimate story with you; the history of our wines. To do so, we present how the idea emerged and how we began producing our main brand: OSMO Crianza DOCa Rioja. We hope you enjoy the tale.
It is now seven years since we decided to create a special wine; our best wine.
We have been marketing wine for many years, working closely with distributors and importers from different countries, trying new things and learning from our friends, clients and consumers. Consequently, our wines are created with them in mind, as well as their preferences and the demands of their markets and consumers.
However, unlike other wine, with OSMO we aimed to create a wine that suits our tastes. A wine that would represent the entire tradition of the Rioja and the Tempranillo grape in this region, but that would also be complex and modern, clean and potent, as well as fruity and yummy.
With the help of our friend, the oenologist Manuel García, we defined a route map and got to work on the project.
1. Grape selection: the most important part!
The first thing we did was select one of the family’s best vineyards: a Tempranillo vineyard located in the Hormilla area (Rioja Alta). It is a vineyard with vines between 40 and 50 years old, and it is a place where many years have been spent adapting performance through pruning in a bid to enhance quality. In addition, it faces south and is located in a valley that protects the vines from spring’s fearsome frosts.
2. Micro-vinification testing in 2,000- and 3,000-litre tanks.
Four tanks each year performing tests in order to achieve the ultimate wine.
(Yes, we loved doing tests, trying & tasting wines and sharing the experience with customers and friends)
More or less crushing, with no added sulphur, using dry ice to chill the grapes during maceration prior to alcoholic fermentation, a lower temperature during fermentation… It involved a lot of work.
3. Brand and design: OSMO, of course
After more than 10 wines and brands, we finally have the wine we deserve!
OSMO stands for OSoro MOreno, our family.
After two test grape harvests, 2014 arrived along with the moment of truth!
4. Harvest, preparation and aging
We used 19kg boxes and the harvest took place in the early morning to avoid the heat. Each trailer was then quickly taken to the winery to escape the sun, then swiftly on to the concrete containers we had prepared.
We used just four containers, each made of concrete, with a capacity of 5,000kg and temperature control. They are the perfect containers for withstanding the cold and extracting all the flavours and scents necessary from the skin of our grapes.
Aging took 12 months and we used new French oak barrels, which are the best way to round off our wine and grant it special notes, all while following the quality standards of the D.O.Ca. Rioja.
OSMO CRIANZA 2014
This wine gave us some great memories and, although we only presented it at two competitions, we won some awards for its quality and its label design.
OSMO Crianza 2014 Data Sheet.
OSMO CRIANZA 2015
Short but sweet, as a customer acquired almost all of our production and we were only left with a few bottles. However, it helped us to continue learning and to raise awareness of our product.
OSMO CRIANZA 2016 finally ready!
Ready in these wine cages, having rested and aged for the time necessary, and having been made with the same grapes and love as the first vintage.
28,000 bottles are available and we hope each one is enjoyed as much as we have enjoyed preparing this wine and sharing its history with you.
With this post we are debuting our blog. From here, we will continue to inform you of our wine’s history, our activity, and other interesting aspects about the wine market and the drinks we hope you will enjoy with us.
Cheers and warm regards!