Gran Resalte 2021

Gran Resalte is a varietal Tempranillo from Resalte de Peñafiel, a Ribera del Duero winery founded in 2000 and working 80 hectares of vineyards near Peñafiel. The appellation sits on the high Castilian plateau, where vines grow at altitude on limestone and clay soils. The wide swing between hot days and cold nights slows ripening and preserves acidity in the grapes, which is what gives Ribera del Duero Tempranillo its depth of colour and firm backbone. The wine ages for 24 months in 400-litre French oak barrels. The larger format and slow oxygen exchange through the staves soften the tannins and round the fruit while keeping the oak in a supporting role rather than dominating. It pours a deep ruby. The nose leads with ripe plum and blackberry, lifted by black pepper and vanilla, with liquorice and a touch of leather underneath. The palate is full and structured, the tannins ripe but present, and the finish carries dark fruit and barrel spice. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, and decant an hour ahead to open the fruit. It suits roast lamb and grilled red meat.