La Celestina 2021

La Celestina is a single variety Tinto Fino, the local Tempranillo, from Dominio de Atauta in the village of Atauta in Soria, at the high eastern end of D.O. Ribera del Duero. The estate is built around its viticulture, working vines aged between twenty and thirty years grown at around 950 metres. This is among the highest land in the appellation, and the altitude is decisive: long cold nights and a wide diurnal range slow ripening, lock in acidity and build colour and aromatic depth while keeping alcohol in check. The soils of limestone and clay over gravel add minerality and grip. After fermentation the wine ages for twelve months in French oak, whose tight grain gives a measured oxygen exchange that firms the tannins and adds fine spice rather than heavy wood character. It is deep and youthful in the glass, with ripe plum and red berry fruit on the nose lifted by black pepper, liquorice and a fresh, earthy minerality. The palate is full bodied yet poised, the tannins fine and the freshness keeping it lively into a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted, with roast lamb, grilled beef or game.