Preludio de Sei Solo Magnum 2023

Preludio de Sei Solo is a varietal Tinto Fino, the local clone of Tempranillo, from Bodegas Sei Solo in Ribera del Duero. The fruit comes from nine small parcels of young vineyards aged between fifteen and sixty years in the town of La Horra, in Burgos. This is one of the highest and coolest parts of the appellation, where the wide gap between hot days and cold nights slows ripening, holds acidity and fixes colour and aroma in the skins. Preludio shares vinification and ageing with the flagship Sei Solo but has taken its own path toward a more robust and fresh profile. It ferments and then ages in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange through the wood softens the tannins and adds a layer of spice. Presented here in magnum, a format that ages more slowly thanks to its larger volume against the same headspace. The 2023 is deep and dark, with dark plum, cherry and a savoury earthiness lifted by black pepper, liquorice, cedar and vanilla from the oak. The palate is full and structured at 14.5 percent, with firm but ripe tannins and a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. Good with roast lamb, grilled beef and mushroom dishes.