Áster El Espino 2021

Áster is sited in the town of Anguix, in the province of Burgos in Castilla y León, within the Ribera del Duero denomination, where the estate searched out a terroir suited to long-lived reds. El Espino is made from Tinta del País, the local name for Tempranillo, grown under the region's harsh continental climate of hot days and cold nights. That wide diurnal swing slows ripening and preserves acidity, giving the wine balance to carry its power, while the poor Ribera soils keep yields low and the fruit concentrated. The wine is aged sixteen months in oak barrels, a long maturation during which slow oxygen exchange softens the firm tannin and adds spice, cocoa and structure that frame the ripe fruit. The colour is a vibrant deep cherry red. The nose is expressive, with fresh blackberry, strawberry and blueberry over oak-derived dark spice and cocoa, set on an earthy base. The palate is full bodied at 15 percent, with firm tannin, good acidity and a long, concentrated finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanted an hour ahead, in a large glass. It suits roast and grilled red meats.