Milsetentayseis Tinto 2022

Milsetentayseis takes its name from the altitude of Fuentenebro, a high village in D.O. Ribera del Duero, and is the project of Alma de Carraovejas built on old, recovered vineyards. The wine is mostly Tempranillo with a little of the white Albillo, co-planted in the old field vineyards. These are some of the highest sites in Ribera, with vines above 1,000 metres on poor, stony soils; at around 850 metres and higher the days reach 34C and the nights fall to 8C, a dramatic diurnal swing that ripens the Tempranillo while preserving acidity, colour and freshness. The hundred-year-old vines give tiny yields and concentrated, structured fruit, and the touch of Albillo adds aromatic lift and freshness. Eighteen months in French oak softens the firm tannin and adds a spiced, savoury frame through slow oxygen exchange. The colour is deep, dark red. The nose shows dark plum, black and red berries, black pepper and a cocoa note over a stony base. The palate is full bodied and structured, with firm but ripe tannin, bright acidity and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 17C, decanting one to two hours ahead. Good with roast lamb, grilled beef or aged cheese.