Bardos Villálvaro 2021

Bardos draws on the Páramos de Corcos in Ribera del Duero, where the vineyards sit at roughly 1,000 metres above sea level, the altitude and freshness that have long been a hallmark of the Vintae group behind the estate. Villálvaro takes its name from a hamlet near San Esteban de Gormaz in Soria. The wine is led by Tempranillo with Garnacha, white Albillo and other local varieties, and the high elevation with its strong day-to-night temperature swing slows ripening and keeps acidity bright, balancing the ripeness the continental climate brings. It is aged twelve months in large wooden vats of 80 to 220 hectolitres, big formats that lend structure and slow, gentle oxygenation rather than overt oak flavour. The colour is a vivid cherry red with violet and bluish tints. The nose is intense and aromatic, with cherry, plum and a floral, rose-like lift over a savoury, earthy base. The palate is full bodied at 14.5 percent, juicy and elegant, with firm tannin, fresh acidity and a long finish. Serve at 17 degrees in a large glass, decanting if young. It suits roast meats and hearty dishes.