López Cristóbal La Linde 2025

Lopez Cristobal La Linde 2025 is a Ribera del Duero red built mainly from Tinta del Pais, the local name for Tempranillo, with a measure of Merlot. The fruit comes from the La Linde estate, a vineyard of around twenty years grown at 770 metres on muddy limestone soil. Altitude matters here: the high site widens the gap between warm days and cold nights, which keeps natural acidity bright and the fruit fresh in a warm region. The grapes are picked by hand into small boxes and sorted on a selection table to protect the berries before fermentation. Oak is deliberately light, three months in French barrels and three in bottle, so the wood frames rather than masks the fruit. The limestone soil lends a cool, mineral edge and lift. The wine is fresh, balanced and direct, with juicy strawberry, cherry and wild berry, a touch of vanilla and clove from the brief oak, and a savoury, earthy undertone. Tannins are supple and the finish is clean. Serve lightly cool at 15 to 16 degrees with roast pork, poultry or mushroom dishes.