El Vínculo Reserva 2021

El Vinculo was founded to make limited, higher-quality wines in La Mancha, a region more often linked to high-volume everyday bottles. It is part of the Grupo Pesquera, which brings Ribera del Duero know-how to local Tempranillo. The fruit comes from a 52-hectare vineyard at 650 to 750 metres above sea level, where the high, sunbaked plateau ripens Tempranillo fully while the altitude brings cool nights that hold acidity and freshness. The dry continental climate and stony soils keep yields modest and concentrate the fruit. This Reserva ages 24 months in American oak barrels followed by 12 months in bottle, the American oak giving the wine its characteristic vanilla, toffee and sweet spice, while the long ageing in barrel and bottle softens the tannins and develops savoury, leathery complexity before release. The colour is deep ruby with a garnet edge. The nose shows ripe red berries, plum, vanilla, toffee and tobacco. The palate is full and warm, with rounded tannins, ripe fruit and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees. It suits roast and grilled meats.