Austum Ecológico 2024

Austum Ecológico is made by Bodegas Tionio, founded in 1995 on the La Asperilla estate at Peñafiel and part of Grupo Parxet. The grape is Tinto Fino, the local strain of Tempranillo, farmed organically on vineyards planted at roughly 850 metres on sandy and gravelly soils with bands of limestone and marl. Altitude is central to the wine: the continental climate brings hot days and cold nights, and that large diurnal range preserves acidity and builds colour and phenolic ripeness while the season stays long. The poor, free draining soils restrict vigour and concentrate the fruit. Ageing runs to six months in French and American oak barrels, enough to round the tannins and add a measured layer of spice and vanilla without masking the fruit. The colour is deep purple. The nose shows ripe black plum and cherry with liquorice, black pepper and a stony, earthy note from the site. The palate is full bodied and firmly structured, with grippy but ripe tannins, bright acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted for younger vintages. Good with roast lamb, grilled beef and earthy mushroom dishes.