Valdehermoso Crianza 2022

Valdehermoso Crianza is produced by the Valderiz winery in Ribera del Duero from Tinta del País, the local name for Tempranillo. The fruit comes from more than 70 hectares split into 35 plots near Roa, each with a different soil type, so the blend draws on a range of expressions across the estate. The climate is Mediterranean with little rainfall and hot, dry summers, while the high plateau brings cold nights that preserve acidity and colour in a grape that can otherwise lose freshness. The winery works ecologically, with no herbicides, pesticides or synthetic fertilisers. After fermentation the wine ages 14 months in a mix of French and American oak, the French barrels lending fine spice and structure and the American adding a rounder vanilla and coconut tone, with slow oxygen exchange softening the tannins. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose shows ripe black cherry and plum with vanilla, clove and a leafy tobacco note, and the palate is structured and savoury, with grippy but ripe tannins and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 17 degrees and decant before pouring. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and hard cheeses.