Quinta Quietud 2020

Quinta de la Quietud works at the centre of the D.O. Toro, the hot, high plateau of the Duero in Zamora province where Tinta de Toro, a thick-skinned local Tempranillo, ripens to formidable concentration. The vines, 20 to 80 years old and farmed organically with CAECYL certification, grow at 700 metres on deep sandy-clay soils. The altitude brings cold nights that offset the fierce summer heat, the wide diurnal swing preserving acidity and aromatic freshness, while the sandy ground keeps yields low and the old, deep-rooted vines draw steady water through the drought. At 15 percent the wine carries real power, but the elevation keeps it fresh. After fermentation it ages 20 months in French oak, where slow oxygen exchange through the staves polishes the muscular Toro tannin and adds clove, vanilla and a cocoa-edged spice without overwhelming the dark fruit. The colour is dense, opaque purple. The nose shows black plum and cherry preserve over liquorice, cocoa, black pepper and a stony earthiness. The palate is full and powerful, with dense ripe tannin, warming fruit and a long savoury finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead, with grilled red meat or game.