Flores de Callejo 2024

Flores de Callejo is a single-variety Tempranillo from D.O. Ribera del Duero, made by Bodegas Félix Callejo in Sotillo de la Ribera in the north of the appellation. The fruit comes from vines over forty years old planted in loamy clay soils in the highest part of the Douro valley. The altitude brings cold nights and a wide diurnal range that slows ripening and keeps the acidity fresh, while the old vines naturally limit their yield and deepen the concentration of the fruit, and the clay soils retain moisture through the dry summers. The wine spends six months in French oak, a short ageing that softens the tannins and adds a light spice and frame while keeping the focus on bright primary fruit. It is youthful in style, deep cherry red, with redcurrant, strawberry and fresh-cut cherry, a touch of pepper and liquorice and a savoury, mineral edge. The palate is fresh and medium bodied, with fine, ripe tannin and good acidity from the cool sites. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, with grilled red meats, charcuterie and hard cheeses. It is approachable young while keeping the structure of the region.