Terra d’Uro Finca la Rana 2022

Terra d'Uro Finca la Rana is a single-vineyard Toro red from Hacienda Terra d'Uro, made entirely from Tinta de Toro. The grapes come from one plot, over 18 years old and organically farmed, worked in a way that combines old and new methods. Toro lies on the high Castilian plateau, where a harsh continental climate brings hot summers and cold winters, and the wide day to night temperature range in the ripening season holds acidity and colour against the heat. Tinta de Toro is a thick-skinned local strain of Tempranillo that yields deep colour and firm tannin, and the dry, poor soils keep yields low and concentrate the fruit. The wine sees a nine-month maceration and ageing in French oak barrels of one, two and three years, a mix that gives gentle oxygen exchange and a measured oak signature rather than a heavy toast. The colour is dense and dark. The nose leads with blackcurrant, ripe plum and vanilla, and the palate is generous and creamy, with ripe black fruit, fine spice and a firm but polished tannic frame that carries a long finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead. It suits grilled beef, roast lamb and aged cheese.