Protos Crianza 2021

Protos is one of Ribera del Duero's founding wineries, working with Tinta del Pais, the regional strain of Tempranillo, on the limestone and clay soils of the high Castilian plateau. Vineyards sit at altitude where hot days and cold nights create a wide diurnal range, slowing ripening so the fruit holds acidity and develops thick, colour-rich skins. That skin to juice ratio supplies the deep pigment and substantial tannin that define the Crianza. After fermentation the wine spends twelve months in a mix of French and American oak, where slow oxygen exchange through the staves softens the tannins and folds in vanilla, clove and toast, followed by a further twelve months in bottle to integrate. The result is a full bodied red, deep ruby in the glass, with ripe black plum and cherry on the nose lifted by sweet spice and a savoury, cedary edge. The palate is structured and grippy, carried by firm tannin and bright acidity into a long, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead, alongside roast and braised meats.