Bela 2024

Bela is a Tempranillo from D.O. Ribera del Duero, made by Bodega Bela, the project the historic Rioja house CVNE set up in the region when it acquired the former Anta Banderas winery. The name honours the daughter of the family founder. The winery sits at Villalba de Duero and farms seventy four hectares on the high Duero plateau, where altitude and a continental climate of hot days and cold nights drive a wide diurnal swing. That swing ripens the Tempranillo while preserving the bright acidity and deep colour the appellation is known for. The grapes are fermented and the wine then spends nine months in French and American oak, a shorter ageing that keeps the fruit forward while the oxygen exchange through the barrel rounds the tannins and adds vanilla and a light toast. The fruit is grown by respectful, sustainable agriculture and the wine is vegan. The colour is deep cherry red with a violet rim. The nose shows ripe black cherry and plum with vanilla and a hint of cocoa. The palate is medium to full bodied, fresh and supple, with fine tannins and a clean, fruit driven finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees with grilled meat or hard cheese.