Parada de Atauta 2022

Parada de Atauta 2022 is a Ribera del Duero red from Dominio de Atauta, made entirely from Tinto Fino in the Valle de Atauta in Soria, one of the highest and most easterly corners of the appellation. The fruit comes from very old vineyards, over 60 years of age, some of them pre-phylloxera, which survive because the sandy-limestone soils stop the phylloxera pest from taking hold. Old, ungrafted vines on poor sandy soils crop tiny yields of concentrated, deeply flavoured fruit, while the high-altitude valley brings cold nights and a long, slow ripening that preserves freshness and floral aromatics. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, which firms the structure and adds a fine layer of spice through slow oxygen exchange while letting the site speak. The wine is a deep ruby colour. The nose shows ripe red and black fruit, a violet fragrance and a savoury, mineral edge. The palate is full bodied and structured, with fine, firm tannin, fresh acidity and a long, earthy finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant. It suits roast and grilled red meat.