Corral de Campanas 2022

Corral de Campanas is made by Quinta de la Quietud in the town of Toro, at the centre of the appellation, from Tinta de Toro, the thick-skinned local strain of Tempranillo. The vineyards sit between 665 and 700 metres on deep loam, clay and sand soils that are poor in organic matter, which keeps yields low and concentrates the fruit. All the estate's vines are farmed to organic standards, certified since the winery's founding in 2002. Toro's hot, dry continental climate ripens the grapes fully, pushing alcohol to 15 per cent, while altitude and cool nights preserve enough freshness to carry it. The wine ages twelve months in American oak barrels, which contributes coconut, vanilla and a sweeter toast than French oak, and softens the naturally robust tannin through gentle oxidation. It is deep, near-opaque ruby. The nose is ripe red and black fruit with balsamic herbs, liquorice and spice. The palate is broad and warming, with firm but ripe tannin and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanted ahead. It is built for roast and grilled red meat.