Finca Villacreces 2021

Finca Villacreces is a red wine from D.O. Ribera del Duero, made on its own riverside estate near the Duero, part of the Artevino family of wineries that also owns Izadi in Rioja and Vetus in Toro. The blend is led by Tempranillo with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The estate sits along the river within the so-called golden mile of Ribera del Duero, where the moderating influence of the water and the region's wide diurnal range, hot days and cold nights, slow ripening and lock in acidity and aromatic freshness. The chalky, gravelly soils drive structure and a mineral line through the fruit. The wine ages for twelve months in French oak, which softens the firm tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adds a measured layer of spice and toast without covering the fruit. It pours a deep colour and opens with a powerful nose of ripe black fruit, liquorice and toffee over a fine mineral and balsamic note. The palate is full and structured, with firm but ripe tannins, dark fruit and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead; it suits roasted and grilled red meat.