Montecillo Singladuras Ribera del Duero 2024

Bodegas Montecillo is one of the grand old names of Spanish wine, with over 150 years of history, and this wine takes it from its Rioja home to Ribera del Duero in Castilla y León. The wine is made from Tempranillo, the leading red grape of both regions. Ribera del Duero sits on a high plateau along the Duero river, where the altitude brings cold nights and a wide day-to-night temperature swing; this slows ripening and locks in deep colour, fresh acidity and intense fruit. The wine is aged for just five months in barrel, a short time in cask intended to keep the focus on bright, primary fruit while the gentle oxygen exchange softens the texture and adds a light touch of spice. The result is a young, juicy and approachable style. The colour is bright deep cherry red. The nose leads with red berries, cherry and plum, lifted by black pepper and a savoury, earthy note. The palate is medium bodied, fresh and juicy, the tannins supple and the acidity keeping it lively through the finish. Serve at 16 degrees, lightly chilled if you prefer. It suits grilled meats and tomato-based dishes.