In 1992, the first great aging potential wine was born in Uruguay: Preludio. A top tier aged wine resulting from the selection of the best barrels. Today, Preludio is one of the iconic wines of Bodega Familia Deicas, both in the domestic market and internationally.
Growing Conditions
Progreso – Canelones
Sierra de Mahoma – San José
Garzón – Maldonado
El Carmen -Durazno
Juanicó – Canelones
Bottling
Keeping with traditional methods, Preludio is bottled unfiltered in dark bottles with special natural corks to continue aging for several months in the same underground cellars, on separate pallets.
Winemaking
The most concentrated bunches are selected from vineyard plots with a limited production of 40 hl per hectare.
Manual harvest with an initial rigorous cluster selection in the vineyard and a second grape-by-grape selection at the winery after destemming.
Prolonged maceration of over three weeks allows for the concentration of the musts, aromas and flavors of fruits, spices and flowers, which are then developed during aging.
After aging, the art of assemblage is then entrusted to the tasting committee, where the final blends are determined.
PRELUDIO is traditionally made with 5 varieties: Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. In the 2002 harvest, 2% of a sixth variety was added: Marselan.
Aging
Aged in barrels in underground cellars built from stone in 1830, where the naturally constant temperature and humidity ensure optimal conditions for the best evolution of the wine.
Every 6 months, the barrels which can best continue the ever demanding wine aging process are selected. Therefore, although each year begins with 600 barrels, the 24 to 30 month aging process finishes with less than 200 barrels
Nose
A wide variety of complex aromas; notes of dried figs, ripe red fruits and vanilla.
Palate
Acidic with rounded tannins, ripe berries and a hint of ink.
Appearance
Bright purple with violet hues. High concentration that manifests in its very elegant and
persistent legs.
Food Pairing
Decantation is recommended 30 minutes before serving.