San Cobate 2021

San Cobate is a monovarietal Tinto Fino, the local Tempranillo, from the DO Ribera del Duero in Castile and León, made by the San Cobate winery. The fruit comes from 36 hectares at Gumiel del Mercado, set between 830 and 910 metres on a mix of orientations and soils. That altitude is the defining factor, the wide gap between hot days and cold nights ripening the fruit fully while locking in acidity, deep colour and freshness, so the wine carries weight without losing balance. The varied soils and exposures add complexity across the blend. The wine is fermented conventionally and aged 16 months in barrels of different origin, beginning in Burgundy oak and finishing in French and Austrian wood over 15 years old. Older barrels give gentle oxygenation and structure rather than strong new wood flavour, letting the fruit lead while tannins soften. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe red and dark fruit with a subtle sweet edge over toast and spice. The palate is full and structured, the high site keeping it fresh against 14 percent alcohol, closing on plum, cocoa and tobacco. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant. Good with roast beef and lamb.