Románico 2022

Bodega Teso La Monja produces Románico in D.O. Toro, in Zamora, as a varietal Tinta de Toro, the local thick-skinned strain of Tempranillo. The fruit comes from low-yielding old vines in Valdefinjas and Toro, farmed with respect for the environment and minimal intervention, with no herbicides or systemic products. Toro is hot, dry and high, with sandy and stony soils, and its old bush vines and big diurnal swing yield deeply coloured, powerful wines with ripe tannin and concentrated fruit. After a manual harvest the grapes pass a double-ribbon selection so only fruit at optimal ripeness is used. Ageing runs for 6 months in French oak barrels, a shorter pass that frames the fruit with light spice and toast while keeping the wine fresh and primary. The result is a robust red with a notably glyceric, full texture and an intense nose of cherry and raspberry over pepper, liquorice and a faint earthiness. The palate is full bodied, with concentrated dark fruit and firm, ripe tannins through a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It suits grilled red meats and hearty stews.