Juan Manuel Burgos Avan Tinto 2023

Avan Tinto comes from Bodegas y Vinedos Juan Manuel Burgos in Fuentelcesped, Burgos, within D.O. Ribera del Duero. The vines are Tinta del Pais, the local name for Tempranillo, propagated from cuttings of the founder's grandfather's old plantings. Ribera sits on a high continental plateau where moderate to low rainfall, dry summers and long harsh winters slow the season, while a wide day-to-night temperature swing holds acidity and builds colour and tannin in the skins. The 2023 spends twelve months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the firm tannin and adds vanilla, clove and a fine toast that frames rather than covers the fruit. Malolactic fermentation rounds the wine and settles its early sharpness. It is deep ruby with a purple rim. The nose shows ripe plum and black cherry with pepper, liquorice and a savoury earthiness. The palate is full and structured, the tannin grippy but ripe, carrying dark fruit, cedar and oak spice into a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, ideally decanted an hour ahead. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and mushroom dishes.