Reserva del Vinatero Lechugilla
Lechuguilla is the common name given by the inhabitants of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range to Sonoran Agave shrevei and its distillate. Its use has been almost exclusively done by northern Sonora Vinateros, as its availability is limited to the region where Agave shrevei Lechuguilla can be found, the northeast of Sonora, closer to the state limits of Chihuahua.
Its quality is comparable to the best Lechuguilla distillates and its profile is unique, as the Sonoran Desert terroir and its mountain range provide special conditions and elements not found in any other state of Mexico. Rough country, extreme weather and the characteristic traditional Sonoran production: mesquite firewood used for roasting agave in underground ovens, natural spring water for fermentation, and wild yeasts in open vinatas, create some of the most exceptional and complex northern Agave Spirits, were high minerality, smokiness, and vegetal flavors combine.
Searching to share a more complete and unknown part of the different expressions of distillates that the state of Sonora has to offer. We proudly present to you Rancho Tepúa Reserva del Vinatero, Lechugilla.
•Type of Distilled Spirit: Palmilla
Type of Agave or Plant used: 100% Wild Sonoran Agave shrevei (Lechuguilla)
•Comercial Brand: Rancho Tepúa
•Origin: Rancho Tepúa
•Town and State: Aconchi, Sonora
•Palmilla process: Artesinal
•Harvest: By Hand and Ax (Jaibica)
•Oven: Mesquite Roasted Underground for 48 Hours.
•Mill: Initial Tearing done by Hand and Ax, final defibration using a Cattle Forage Mill suited for Shredding Roasted Agave and/or Lechugilla
•Water for Fermentation: Rancho Tepúa Natural Spring Water
•Fermentation: Wild Yeast in Stainless Steel Vats for 8 – 12 Days
•Type of Still: Copper Arabic Alembic
• Distillations: Two
• Type of container for final storage: 20 liter capacity glass container
• Define if it´s white (young), mature (reposado), aged (añejo) or flavored (abocado): White (blanco)
• (ABV): 96 Proof - 48% ABV
• Tasting Notes: - Aroma: Cucumber peal, curry leaf, ripe mango - Taste: Sandalwood, cucumber, amaretto cookie - Texture: Medium full mouth feel, long bright finish, full mouth numbing.
• Name of Distillers/Vinateros: Roberto Contreras Mayoral / Roberto Contreras Navarro
• Age and Years of Experience of Distillers/Vinateros: Roberto Contreras Mayoral Age: 62 4th Generation Contreras established at Rancho Tepúa as cattle rancher and Vinatero Experience: 40 years Roberto Contreras Navarro Age: 35 5th Generation Contreras established at Rancho Tepúa as cattle rancher and Vinatero Experience: 11 years
Type of habitat: Semi desert