Emilio Moro Malleolus de Valderramiro 2021

Malleolus de Valderramiro is a single-vineyard red from D.O. Ribera del Duero, made by Emilio Moro from the Pago de Valderramiro, an old plot of Tinto Fino, the local Tempranillo clone. The vines sit on the high Castilian plateau, where altitude and a wide gap between hot days and cold nights extend ripening and preserve acidity, while the poor limestone and clay soils restrict vigour and concentrate the small berries. Old vines give low yields of intense, thick-skinned fruit. Long ageing in oak rounds the firm tannins and adds spice, cedar and a fine toast through gradual oxygen exchange, supporting rather than covering the fruit. The colour is deep, near-opaque ruby. The nose shows ripe plum and black cherry, dark chocolate, tobacco and liquorice over a mineral base. The palate is full bodied and structured, with dense, ripe tannin, firm acidity and a long, spiced finish that rewards cellaring. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits roast beef, grilled lamb and aged hard cheese.