Dominio del Soto Cosecha 2022

Dominio del Soto farms organically in Ribera del Duero and makes this red entirely from Tempranillo, the appellation's signature grape. The vineyards sit on the high Castilian plateau, where calcareous clay soils drain well and the marked difference between hot days and cold nights slows ripening. That diurnal range fixes deep colour and firm tannin in the skins while preserving the acidity that keeps the wine fresh and structured. The wine spends six months split between stainless steel and oak barrel: the steel locks in the clean, dark fruit, while the time in barrel rounds the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adds a measure of vanilla and spice without dominating. The organic farming keeps the focus on healthy fruit and clear varietal character. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose shows dark plum and cherry with black pepper, dried herbs and a light oak spice. The palate is full bodied and structured, with firm but ripe tannins, good freshness and a savoury, peppery finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees and decant young bottles briefly. It is well suited to roast and grilled red meats, game and mature cheeses.