Pago de los Capellanes Un Sueño en las Alturas 2021

Pago de los Capellanes is a respected Ribera del Duero estate, and Un Sueño en las Alturas comes from high vineyards around the villages of Fuentenebro, Pardilla and Honrubia on the northern slope of La Serrezuela in the Central System. The vines are 50 to 60 years old and planted between 900 and 1,200 metres above sea level on ancient Paleozoic soils, among the oldest in the appellation. At this altitude the wide difference between hot days and cold nights slows ripening, so the Tempranillo keeps fresh acidity and firm tannin while developing concentrated fruit. The wine is aged for 12 months in large oak vats, which gives a slower, gentler oxygen exchange than small barrels and adds structure and spice without heavy wood character. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose shows ripe plum, black cherry and red berries with liquorice, a touch of vanilla and an earthy mineral edge. The palate is full bodied and structured, with fine firm tannins, bright acidity and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and hard Castilian cheeses.