Venta la Ossa Tempranillo 2018

Venta la Ossa Tempranillo is a red from the V.T. Castilla, made by Mano a Mano from Cencíbel, the local name for Tempranillo. The fruit is drawn from low bush vines at altitudes of around seven hundred and fifty metres, on sandy soils, with vines between fifty and eighty years old. The climate is mainly continental with a Mediterranean influence, so the days are hot and dry while the altitude brings cool nights. That diurnal swing preserves freshness and aromatic detail in a warm region, and the old head trained vines crop modestly, concentrating the fruit. The free draining sandy soils give a supple, open texture. The wine ages twelve months in French oak, which rounds the tannins through gentle oxygen exchange and adds vanilla, toast and a cedary frame while leaving the fruit in the lead. It is deep ruby, with ripe dark plum and cherry over black pepper, sweet spice, tobacco and a savoury, earthy base. The palate is medium to full bodied, the tannins ripe and rounded, the finish long and warm. Serve at sixteen to eighteen degrees. It pairs with grilled and roasted meats and hard cheese.