Cepa 21 2022

Cepa 21 is a Ribera del Duero red made entirely from Tinta Fina, the local Tempranillo, by the Cepa 21 winery. The fruit comes from vines over 25 years old planted above 800 metres in Castrillo de Duero, Pesquera de Duero and Nava de Duero, all in the province of Valladolid, with the vines propagated from cuttings of old vineyards in Pesquera. The plots sit on layered limestone and clay soils farmed under respectful agriculture. Altitude is the key to Ribera del Duero, and at over 800 metres the wide diurnal range between hot days and cold nights slows ripening, holding acidity and aromatic freshness in the fruit while the limestone and clay add structure and mineral length. The dry continental climate keeps yields low and flavours concentrated. The wine ages for twelve months in French oak, tighter-grained than American so it gives up its aromatics slowly, adding cedar, fine spice and a frame of structure while the slow oxygen exchange softens the tannin. It shows a clean nose of blackberry, blueberry and sweet spice, with a juicy, structured palate and ripe tannin. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanting ahead. It suits grilled and roast red meat and earthy mushroom dishes.