Damana Crianza 2022

Damana Crianza is the entry crianza of Tábula in DO Ribera del Duero, made entirely from Tempranillo grown on vines fifteen to twenty-five years old. Ribera sits high on the northern Castilian plateau, where the continental climate brings hot days and sharply cold nights. That wide diurnal swing slows ripening and locks in colour, acidity and tannin, giving the region's Tempranillo its depth and ageing potential. After fermentation the wine spends twelve months in oak, ninety per cent French and ten per cent American. The French barrels lend fine spice and a tighter grain, the American a rounder vanilla and coconut note, and the slow oxygen exchange across that year softens the tannins while building structure. The 2022 is a deep cherry red with violet lights. The nose shows ripe plum and black cherry over vanilla, cocoa, liquorice and sweet spice. The palate is full bodied and firmly structured, with ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a long oaky finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting half an hour ahead. It is a natural with roast and grilled red meats.