Termes 2022

Termes is the youngest red from Numanthia, one of the leading names of D.O. Toro in Castilla y Leon. Tinta de Toro is the local strain of Tempranillo, and here it comes from old vineyards between 30 and 50 years of age, set on tiny plots around Valdefinjas and Toro at roughly 700 metres on the slopes of the Duero. The altitude brings a wide swing between warm days and cold nights, which slows ripening and holds acidity in a hot continental climate, while the sandy and stony soils restrict vigour and concentrate the fruit. Old ungrafted vines give low yields of small, thick-skinned berries, the source of the wine's colour and tannin. Fruit is picked by hand with bunch selection in the vineyard, then aged 14 months in French oak, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and adds spice. The wine is deep purple, with ripe plum, black cherry, liquorice and black pepper over vanilla and a smoky, mineral edge. The palate is full and firm, with grippy tannins and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted an hour ahead, alongside roast lamb or grilled beef.