Lecco Roble 2024

Bodegas Resalte de Peñafiel makes Lecco Roble in D.O. Ribera del Duero, on the high plateau of Castilla y León. This is a single-variety Tempranillo, the grape known locally as Tinto Fino, drawn from vines fifteen years and older planted across a range of soils. The mix of soils gives the fruit different characters that come together in the blend, while Ribera's high altitude and its wide swing between hot days and cold nights preserve acidity and colour and build the firm structure the region is known for. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation are carried out in tanks under automatically controlled temperature, the malolactic conversion softening the wine's natural acidity and rounding the texture before ageing. Five months in French and American oak then frame the wine, the barrel adding vanilla, light toast and spice while the short roble ageing keeps the focus firmly on fruit. The colour is deep, vivid ruby with a violet rim. The nose leads with dark plum and red berry over vanilla, liquorice and a peppery, earthy edge, and the palate is full bodied and structured, with ripe, firm tannins and a long, spiced finish. Serve at sixteen to seventeen degrees. Good with roast lamb, grilled beef and pork.