Convento San Francisco Primer Año 2022

Convento San Francisco makes this single-varietal Tempranillo in D.O. Ribera del Duero. The grapes come from a spread of vineyards aged between 25 and 103 years, planted at 760 to 970 metres on sandy, clay and limestone soils. That range of altitude and soil builds complexity, while the high elevation gives a wide diurnal swing, hot days for ripeness and cold nights that lock in acidity and colour. Ribera Tempranillo, the local Tinto Fino, has thick skins that deliver deep colour and substantial tannin, and the old vines among these plots add concentration and balance. The wine spends eleven months in oak, enough to round the tannin and fold in spice through slow oxygen exchange while keeping the fruit fresh in this younger style. The colour is a medium cherry red. The nose shows ripe strawberry and cherry with subtle toasted oak and a hint of liquorice. The palate is structured and savoury, the red and dark fruit framed by firm tannin and bright acidity, the oak supporting rather than dominating. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It pairs with roast lamb, grilled beef and hard, mature cheese.