Vizcarra Torralvo Gran Reserva 2015

Torralvo Gran Reserva is made by Bodegas Vizcarra in Mambrilla de Castrejon, in D.O. Ribera del Duero, the winery Juan Carlos Vizcarra founded in 1991. It is single varietal Tinto Fino, the local Tempranillo. Ribera del Duero has a Mediterranean climate of continental character, with moderate to low rainfall, dry summers and long, harsh winters, and large temperature swings between seasons and between day and night. That diurnal range builds the colour, structure and acidity that define the appellation, while full ripening here lifts the alcohol to 14.5%. As a Gran Reserva, the wine has long ageing behind it, 30 months in French oak barrels, which resolves the firm tannin, knits in the fruit and develops cedar, vanilla and a savoury, leathery depth, with bottle age adding further complexity. The colour is deep cherry red with a garnet rim. The nose shows black plum, blackberry and spice over tobacco, leather and a peppery note. The palate is full bodied and structured, with ripe, fine tannin, fresh acidity and a long, mature, savoury finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits roast red meat and hard mature cheese.