Tarsus Crianza 2021

Tarsus Crianza comes from Bodegas Tarsus in Anguix, in the heart of Ribera del Duero, and is made entirely from Tinta del País, the local strain of Tempranillo. The vineyards sit on the high Duero plateau, where limestone and clay soils and a wide day-to-night temperature swing let the grapes ripen fully while holding their acidity, which is what gives Ribera reds their dark colour and firm backbone. The winery trains its vines in a double espalier system to encourage even ripening. After fermentation the wine spends twelve months in a mix of French and American oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange through the wood softens the tannins and folds in vanilla, sweet spice and a light toast. It is deep ruby with a garnet rim. The nose leads on ripe plum and black cherry, with vanilla, cocoa and liquorice from the barrel and a savoury, earthy edge. The palate is full and structured, the tannins present but polished, closing long and slightly smoky. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. Good with roast lamb, grilled beef and aged Manchego.