Termanthia 2017

Termanthia is the top wine of Bodegas Numanthia in the Toro appellation, in northwestern Spain. It is made from Tinta de Toro, the local form of Tempranillo, grown on very old, low-yielding vines, some of them ungrafted survivors of phylloxera planted on sandy soils. Toro has a harsh continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold nights, and the resulting wide diurnal range concentrates the fruit while preserving acidity. The poor, sandy soils and old vines give tiny yields of intensely flavoured grapes. The wine is aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, where the wood tames the powerful tannins, adds oxygen and layers in spice and dark chocolate. It pours an opaque, intense cherry red. The nose is deep and concentrated, with black cherry, plum, liquorice and black pepper over dark chocolate, tobacco and oak. On the palate it is full bodied and powerful, with dense, ripe tannins, balancing acidity and a long, structured finish. This is a wine built to age and to stand up to the richest food. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted well ahead, with robust roast and grilled meat.