Protos Roble 2024

Protos is one of Ribera del Duero's founding wineries, and its Roble is among the best known reds in Spain. The fruit comes from the winery's own vineyards in the appellation, where vines of varied ages grow on infertile, limestone-rich soils poor in organic matter. Ribera del Duero sits high on the Castilian plateau, and the large gap between hot days and cold nights preserves acidity and colour in the Tempranillo, known locally as Tinta del País. The wine spends four months in American oak followed by six months in bottle, a short, fresh oak regime that lends sweet spice and vanilla while keeping the fruit to the fore and letting the tannins settle. The colour is deep purple. The nose is intense and youthful, leading with plum, black cherry and darker berry fruit over a light dusting of oak spice. The palate is full and structured but supple, combining power with freshness and an accessible, easy weight that makes it ready to drink now. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees alongside roast lamb, grilled pork or beef, or mushroom dishes.