Box Magnum Protos Crianza Gift 2022

Protos is one of the founding names of D.O. Ribera del Duero in Castilla y Leon, and this Crianza is a classic expression of the region built entirely on Tinta del Pais, the local strain of Tempranillo. Ribera del Duero sits on a high plateau along the Duero river, where a continental climate brings hot days and cold nights. That wide diurnal range lets the grapes ripen fully while retaining the acidity that keeps the wine fresh, and the poor limestone and clay soils restrict yields and concentrate the fruit. The wine is aged for 12 months in barrel followed by 12 months in bottle before release, the barrel time adding structure and spice through slow oxygen exchange while the bottle ageing softens and integrates the wine. The colour is deep cherry red with garnet edges. The nose is aromatic and complex, with ripe plum and blackberry lifted by cedar, vanilla, tobacco and dark chocolate from the oak. The palate is full and structured at 15% alcohol, with ripe dark fruit, firm tannins and a long spiced finish. The magnum format ages slowly and rewards keeping. Serve at 16 to 18C, decanted, with roast lamb or grilled red meat.