San Cucufate Altos del Viso 2019

San Cucufate Altos del Viso is made by Antonio Vázquez at his San Cobate winery in the D.O. Ribera del Duero, from Tinto Fino, the local name for Tempranillo. The vineyards lie on the high Castilian plateau, where limestone-rich soils and a continental climate shape the wine. The marked difference between hot days and cold nights slows ripening, so the grapes keep fresh acidity and deep colour while developing ripe tannin and 14 percent alcohol. The wine is aged for 10 months in oak barrels, where the slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins, fixes the colour and layers in spice and a light vanilla character while leaving room for the fruit. The colour is deep, dark red. The nose shows ripe black cherry, plum and red berries with cocoa, vanilla and a savoury, earthy edge. The palate is full bodied and structured, with firm ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a long warming finish that reflects the limestone soils. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and hard Spanish cheeses.