Encomienda de la Vega 2023

Encomienda de la Vega is the entry red from Bodegas Divina Proporción in Toro, made from Tinta de Toro, the local strain of Tempranillo. The grapes come from the estate's own vineyards of at least 30 years of age, planted at 600 to 900 metres around the winery. Toro has an extreme continental climate, with winters down to minus 10 degrees and very hot summers, and a wide diurnal range at altitude that keeps acidity intact while the thick skinned Tinta de Toro builds deep colour and ripe tannin. The wine spends five months in French and American oak, a short maturation that frames the powerful fruit with vanilla and spice while keeping it fresh and primary. It is deep cherry red with a violet rim. The nose is high in intensity, with ripe cherry, blackberry and plum over black pepper, liquorice and a light oak spice. The palate is full bodied and concentrated, the tannins ripe and grainy, with a long finish. Serve at 17 degrees and decant ahead. It suits grilled red meat and lamb.