Quinta Sardonia QS2 2021

Quinta Sardonia QS2 comes from the Douro Valley at Sardón de Duero in Castilla y León, farmed biodynamically and bottled under VT Castilla-León. The 2021 blends Tinto Fino with 13 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 7 percent Petit Verdot from vineyards planted between 760 and 830 metres on more than eleven types of calcareous soil. Limestone and the high-altitude site give bright acidity and slow ripening, while long cold winters and short mild summers extend the growing season and concentrate fruit. The wide diurnal swing at this elevation preserves freshness and aromatic lift in the skins. Fourteen months in French oak rounds the tannins and adds gentle spice through slow oxygen exchange across the barrel. The wine is deep ruby, with a nose of ripe plum and blackberry over tobacco, liquorice and a stony minerality. The palate is full and firmly structured, with dark fruit, black pepper and a savoury, earthy finish carried by fine-grained tannin. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits roast beef, lamb and aged hard cheeses.