Torralvo Vizcarra 2022

Torralvo is a red from D.O. Ribera del Duero, made by Bodegas Vizcarra from Tinta Fina, the local Tempranillo, sourced from vines over 60 years old. Old vines on the high Duero plateau crop a small, concentrated yield, while the limestone and sandy soils and a wide diurnal range, hot days and cold nights, slow ripening and hold acidity in the fruit. The malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel, which converts the sharper malic acid to softer lactic acid and builds a rounder, more integrated texture from the start. The wine then ages 18 months in new French oak, where slow oxygen exchange firms the tannin while the new barrels add vanilla, sweet spice and toast. The colour is deep and dark. The nose shows blackberry and plum over red berries, liquorice, cocoa and a savoury, earthy note. At 14 percent the palate is full and structured, with firm, ripe tannin, fresh acidity and a long finish that reflects the old-vine concentration. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, and decant an hour or two ahead. A wine for roast and grilled meats.