Vizcarra 15 Meses Tinto Fino 2022

Vizcarra 15 Meses Tinto Fino is made by Bodegas Vizcarra, founded in 1991 by Juan Carlos Vizcarra in the heart of Ribera del Duero. It is a varietal Tinto Fino, the local strain of Tempranillo, from trellised vines over twenty years old. Ribera del Duero has a continental climate moderated by altitude, with low rainfall, hot dry summers and long cold winters. The large day-to-night temperature swing in the ripening season fixes deep colour and firm tannin while preserving acidity, which is why the region's reds are darker and more structured than those of Rioja. Ageing runs for fifteen months in a mix of French and American oak; the French barrels contribute fine tannin and savoury spice, the American add sweeter vanilla and coconut, while gradual oxygen ingress through the staves builds texture and settles the wine's grip. The colour is deep, near opaque purple. The nose opens with ripe blackberry, new leather and liquorice over a mineral, stony note. The palate is full bodied and concentrated, with ripe but firm tannin and a long, dark-fruited finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanted an hour ahead. It calls for red meat.