Matsu El Recio 2023

Matsu El Recio is a single variety red from D.O. Toro, made entirely from Tinta de Toro, the local form of Tempranillo. The grapes come from selected old vineyards aged between ninety and one hundred years, farmed organically and biodynamically with minimal intervention and no synthetic pesticides or herbicides. Vines of this age yield very little, concentrating the fruit, and Toro's hot, dry continental climate and poor soils ripen Tinta de Toro to deep colour, full body and firm tannin. The thick skins of the variety drive the colour and structure, while the cool nights help preserve freshness. The wine is aged fourteen months in French oak barrels, where the slow oxygen exchange through the staves rounds the tannins and adds a fine spice, vanilla and cocoa tone in support of the dark fruit. It pours an intense, almost opaque ruby. The nose shows ripe dark and red fruit lifted by pastry, vanilla, a hint of cocoa and coconut from the wood and a peppery edge. The palate is full and structured, generous at 14.5 per cent, with firm ripe tannins, a liquorice depth and a long, warm finish. Decant an hour ahead and serve at 16 to 18 degrees with grilled and roasted red meats.