Viridiana 2024

Viridiana is a red from the D.O. Ribera del Duero, made by Dominio de Atauta from Tempranillo. The fruit comes from vineyards of twenty to thirty years planted at close to nine hundred metres, on mixed sandy and clay soils. Ribera at this altitude has a continental climate with Mediterranean influences, marked by long, cold winters and a wide gap between hot days and cold nights. That diurnal range keeps acidity high and locks in colour and aromatic freshness, giving the fruit its bright, lively character. The sandy soils lend lift while the clay holds water and adds depth. This is the producer's young, fruit forward style, with only three months in French oak, just enough to settle the wine and add a light frame while leaving the fruit untouched. It is vivid cherry red with violet flashes, and the nose is full of red fruits such as strawberry and raspberry over a floral, peppery note. The palate is medium bodied, fresh and juicy, with fine tannins and a clean, savoury finish. Serve at fifteen to seventeen degrees, lightly cooled. It is a flexible food red, good with roast pork, poultry, beef and mushroom dishes.