RED WINE

100% Tinto Fino, from the area of Castrillo de la Vega, located at an average altitude of 800 meters, in the province of Burgos. The grapes come from old vineyards between 26 and 50 years old, all owned by viticulturists in the area. Fermented and aged (12 months) in concrete tanks.

Heading towards a more black fruit profile with a black currant, creme de mure thing going on and a hint bitcumen and turned earth. Mid-weight in style with nice concentration and push from the darker fruit profile. It delivers plenty of concentrated fruit but does it all with bounce and vibrancy at the same time.

100% Tinto Fino, from the towns of Villálvaro, Sotillo de la Ribera, Moradillo, Hontoria, Peñafiel, Quintana del Pidio, Anguix and Curiel de Duero. Average altitude of 850 to 900 meters, all in the province of Burgos and Valladolid. The grapes come from old vineyards between 35 and 100 years old. In French oak barrels for 428 days, having undergone malolactic fermentation in barrels for 10% of the final blend.

Smashed red and black fruits with that blue-note hit and spicy oak to top it off and little highlights of smokey, leather notes make for a heady and complex nose. Again, plenty of concentration for the mixed, wild berry fruit profile but never at the lack of freshness or energy. Firm but plush tannins grip the black fruits plastering them to the palate and driving home to a full and rich finish. Definitely see some oak here but it suits the style perfectly.

Milú ‘Milú, the doubled named entry-level wine from the tiny Quinta Milú winery, is a blend of several parcels between 25 and 50 years of age dotted around the township of Aguilera. Aguilera means 'Eagles Nest,' the town itself is perched on an outcrop of limestone that overlooks much of the surrounding Duero valley, many of these vineyards sitting above 800m, This extra altitude and the proximity of limestone bedrock to the vines roots helps to stamp these wines with added structure, minerality and freshness.  It’s gently worked, foot-stomped on lots of whole bunches to create an elegant, crunchy and bright version of Ribera del Duero. The influence of the region and the nature of the local Tempranillo clone impart a generous texture and lush blue fruit over the top of that limestone and altitude derived finish. ALIMENTARIA

Bodegas Monteabellón is located in the heart of the Ribera del Duero with 52 hectares of vineyards (mainly Tempranillo) around the township of Nava de Roa. Isaac Fernandez, nephew of the legendary Vega Sicilia ex- winemaker, Marino Garcia, is the inspiration behind this relatively new venture.

The production at the winery is a thoroughly modern affair that draws on nearly 140 hectares of vineyards. The plots are spread over the Ribera, Rioja and Rueda with the mainstay wines those from their excellent Ribera holdings. Avaniel is made from grapes from one or the freshest young plots called "Los Miles". It is also one of the youngest vineyard with vines within 6 and 10 years.

This is the crunchiest version of this we have seen in a while and its all the better for it. It's still Ribera del Duero all the way but just done with a little extra skip in its step. A little black raspberry and a morello cherry to the fore that gives way to some subtle inky earthy elements that speaks of its rocky home on the Duero River. Really silky fruits this vintage with all the elements tightly woven together while still delivering a generous and plush palate. Some fine crunchy tannins scream for a bit of jamon or grilled meats.