Matsu El Viejo 2022

Matsu El Viejo is a single-variety Tinta de Toro, the Toro clone of Tempranillo, from the Matsu winery in Zamora, part of the Vintae group, in the D.O. Toro. The grapes come from ancient, low-yielding vines on sandstone and clay soils at 650 to 700 metres, farmed biodynamically to keep the vineyard's natural balance. Toro's hot, dry continental climate and the high altitude produce small, thick-skinned berries, which is the source of the wine's deep colour, ripe black fruit and robust tannin, while the cold nights at that elevation preserve freshness. The wine ferments and macerates for around three weeks in concrete tanks, a neutral material that builds extraction without adding flavour, then ages 16 months in French oak, which rounds the powerful tannins and adds spice and toast through slow oxygen exchange. It shows a deep, opaque red. The nose is intense, with ripe black fruit, dried fig, Mediterranean herbs and spicy oak. The palate is full and concentrated at 15 percent, with dense fruit, firm but ripe tannins and a long, savoury finish. This is a vegan wine. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanted, with rich roasted meats and game.