Hacienda Monasterio 2023

Hacienda Monasterio lies on the so-called golden mile of Ribera del Duero, between Pesquera and Valbuena del Duero, with the Danish oenologist Peter Sisseck of Pingus directing the wines. The blend leads on Tinta del País, the local Tempranillo, completed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec, grown on the high terraces of the Duero valley where poor limestone and gravel soils sit at altitude. The extreme continental climate, with very hot days and cold nights, drives a wide diurnal range that fixes deep colour, ripe tannin and bright acidity at the same time, the signature of great Ribera fruit. The wine ages around twenty months in French oak, where measured oxygen exchange polishes the firm tannins and adds spice and a fine toasty layer that supports the dark fruit. The colour is deep and youthful, and the nose offers black plum and cherry with black pepper, liquorice, smoke and vanilla. The palate is full and tightly structured, with dense but ripe tannins, vivid acidity and a long, mineral finish built for the cellar. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour or more ahead, with roast and grilled red meats.