Viña Mayor Tinto Roble 2024

Viña Mayor is a Ribera del Duero producer in Castilla y León, and this Tinto Roble is a single-variety Tempranillo, the grape known locally as Tinto Fino. Ribera del Duero sits on a high plateau where vineyards lie around 800 metres, and the altitude brings cold nights that hold acidity and colour in the fruit through a hot, dry continental summer. The chalky clay and limestone soils suit Tempranillo and feed its dark berry character. Grapes are hand harvested and carried in small crates, then gently destemmed and fermented in stainless steel at controlled temperature with frequent pumping over to draw colour and soft tannin from the skins. The wine rests three months in oak, a short ageing that keeps the fruit bright while adding a light toast and vanilla edge rather than heavy structure. The colour is deep violet-tinged ruby. The nose shows red and black berries, plum and a gentle toasted note, and the palate is juicy and refreshing, with supple tannin and lively acidity through a clean finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees with grilled pork, lamb chops or tomato-based dishes.