Bardos Moradillo de Roa 2020

Bardos works the Páramo de Corcos, a high plateau in Ribera del Duero sitting at around 1,000 metres with an extreme continental climate. The vines are over 80 years old, planted on pebbly soils over clay subsoils, and the combination of old vines and altitude gives low yields of concentrated fruit while the wide swing between hot days and cold nights holds the acidity that keeps the wine fresh despite its power. Moradillo de Roa is a field blend led by Tempranillo with Garnacha, Graciano, Monastrell, Bobal and a little white Albillo. It is aged twelve months in French oak vats, larger formats that allow slow oxygen exchange and add structure and a measured spice without the heavy vanilla of small new barrels. The colour is a deep, dark cherry red. The nose is intense, with ripe dark fruit, cocoa, liquorice and oak spice over 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.