Figuero Crianza 2022

Figuero Crianza is made by García Figuero in La Horra, Burgos, in the heart of Ribera del Duero. It is a single variety Tempranillo, locally Tinto Fino, drawn from old vines, most aged between 20 and 40 years with a fifth around 50 years old, which lowers yields and concentrates the fruit. The high Duero plateau sits near 800 metres, where strong sun ripens the Tempranillo fully while sharply cold nights preserve acidity and aromatic freshness, balancing the 14 per cent alcohol. The poor limestone and clay soils restrict vigour and give small, thick skinned berries rich in colour and tannin. The harvest is by hand into small baskets to protect the fruit. Ageing runs 12 months in a mix of French and American oak, the French lending structure and spice and the American adding vanilla and sweet toast, while slow oxygen exchange rounds the firm tannins. The colour is a deep purple red. The nose shows ripe strawberry, plum and cherry over vanilla, liquorice and a peppery, toasty edge. The palate is broad and structured, with ripe grainy tannins, good freshness and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanted. A natural with grilled and roast red meats.