Legaris Crianza 2022

Legaris works across Ribera del Duero, vinifying its plots separately to capture the differences between sites. This Crianza is led by Tinto Fino, the local Tempranillo, with a small share of Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are picked in mid-October and fermented plot by plot. Ribera del Duero sits on a high plateau where the wide diurnal range, hot days and cold nights, ripens the fruit fully while preserving the acidity and deep colour that give the region its structure. The must undergoes a gentle pre-fermentative maceration at around twenty-six degrees with indigenous yeasts, which draws out colour and aroma before alcoholic fermentation. The wine then ages twelve months in French and American oak, softening the firm tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adding vanilla and spice. At fifteen percent this is a ripe, full reading of the region. The colour is deep and opaque. The nose shows ripe black fruit, plum and cherry with liquorice, vanilla and pepper. The palate is full and structured, with dense fruit, ripe tannins and a long, warm finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted ahead. It suits grilled red meat.