Bela Aurea Minerva 2022

Bela Aurea Minerva is a Tempranillo from the D.O. Ribera del Duero in Castilla y León, made at Bodega Bela, the winery CVNE established in 2017 in Villalba de Duero to extend the family's work beyond Rioja. Ribera del Duero sits on a high plateau where the chalky limestone and clay soils, combined with a severe continental climate and a wide diurnal range, give Tempranillo deep colour, firm tannin and concentrated fruit while the cold nights lock in acidity. Farmed under respectful, vegan-certified practices, the wine is aged twelve months in barrel, where the oak rounds the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and contributes spice and a vanilla note while the ripe fruit stays in the lead. The colour is dense and dark. The nose is concentrated and ripe, with dark plum, red fruit, gentle baking spice and a hint of chocolate. The palate is full bodied and structured, with ripe tannin, good acidity and a long, spiced finish. This is a wine to decant and serve at 17 degrees. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and other substantial meat dishes.