Bicicletas y Demonios 2024

Bicicletas y Demonios is a red from D.O. Ribera del Duero, made by Family Owned Wineries, the venture launched in 2013 by the oenology teams behind Celler Tianna Negre in Binissalem-Mallorca and Bodegas Juan Gil in Jumilla. The aim across the group is to work each region with its local varieties, here pure Tempranillo from the high Castilian plateau. Ribera del Duero sits above 800 metres, where cold nights and warm days create a wide diurnal range that slows ripening, fixes deep colour in the skins and holds acidity at high sugar levels. The continental climate and poor limestone and sand soils restrict vigour and concentrate the fruit. Time in oak barrel softens the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adds vanilla and toast from the wood. The wine is deep ruby, with a nose of ripe plum, black cherry and sweet baking spice over a savoury, earthy base. The palate is full bodied and structured, the dark fruit carried by firm but ripe tannins and a long, lightly oaked finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, ideally decanted an hour ahead. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and hard sheep's cheese.