Rolland Galarreta Ribera 2020

Rolland Galarreta Ribera is a Ribera del Duero red blending Tempranillo with around 15 per cent Merlot. The fruit comes from vineyards owned by Bodegas Valtravieso, which sit at 915 metres above sea level on stony, low-vigour soils with little organic matter, and from vines averaging 35 years old. That altitude is central to the wine: the high, exposed plateau gives a wide diurnal range, with warm days and cold nights that build colour and tannin while holding firm acidity. The poor stony soils keep yields low and concentrate the fruit, and a double selection in the vineyard and the cellar ensures only sound grapes go in. The wine ages 10 months in French oak, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and adds a restrained vanilla and spice frame. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose shows ripe plum and black cherry over cocoa, sweet spice and tobacco. The palate is full and structured, with grippy but ripe tannins, dark fruit and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 17 degrees, decanting 30 to 60 minutes ahead, with roast beef, lamb or mushroom dishes.