Cénit Tradición 2020

Cénit Tradición is the flagship wine of Viñas del Cénit in VC Tierra del Vino de Zamora, made from Tempranillo with a small share of old local red and white varieties. The estate works some of the oldest vines in the Zamora zone, planted on sandy, stony soils over a continental plateau. The hot, dry summers and cold nights here give deep colour and ripe fruit while retaining acidity and freshness, and the low yields from old vines concentrate flavour. Ageing runs seven months in oak barrels, a restrained regime that builds structure and adds gentle spice through slow oxygen exchange in wood without burying the fruit. The colour is deep ruby. The nose leads with blackberry, raspberry and plum, framed by tobacco, liquorice and a savoury, earthy minerality. The palate is intense and polished, medium to full bodied, with fine-grained tannin, good acidity and a long, savoury finish. This is a classically built Castilian Tempranillo that drinks well now and will hold for several years. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanted, with roast lamb, beef or grilled meats.