Mauro 2023

Mauro is the personal project of the oenologist Mariano García, long the technical director of Vega Sicilia, made under the V.T. Castilla y León designation near Tudela de Duero in Valladolid. It is mostly Tempranillo with a small amount of Syrah, from the Tudela de Duero and Traspinedo estates. The vines grow on the sandy, stony soils of the Duero valley at altitude, where the large gap between hot days and cold nights extends ripening, builds ripe tannin and colour, and keeps freshness in the fruit. The wine ages sixteen months in French and American oak. That long élevage runs malolactic conversion to completion to soften the acidity, polymerises the tannins through steady oxygen exchange so they turn fine and supple, and folds in spice and vanilla from the two woods. The colour is deep, vibrant cherry. The nose is exotic and expressive, with ripe plum and black cherry over liquorice, pepper and sweet oak spice. The palate is silky and energetic, full bodied yet fresh, with fine tannins and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanted an hour ahead. It is built for roast and grilled red meats, game and mushroom dishes.