Montecastro

Montecastro Ribera 2022

Montecastro Ribera 2022 is the flagship wine of Bodegas y Viñedos Montecastro, high in the hills of the Ribera del Duero , where Tinto Fino takes center stage under the technical guidance of the Hacienda Monasterio team and Peter Sisseck's (founder of Dominio de Pingus) right-hand man, Carlos de la Fuente. What exactly is Montecastro Ribera 2022? It's a powerful yet remarkably refined Ribera del Duero wine made with Tinto Fino, a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, abundant freshness, and a serious reputation, underscored by 93 points from Robert Parker, 94 points in the Peñín Guide, and 92 points from Tim Atkin. This vintage builds on the concept of a modern "vino fino" : ripe and intense, but without heaviness, with silky tannins and a distinct mineral note from the chalky soils.

Vineyards and region

The grapes for Montecastro Ribera 2022 come from Spain , in Castilia y León , in the heart of Ribera del Duero, around Castrillo de Duero in the province of Valladolid. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of approximately 860 to 930 meters on a plateau with predominantly calcareous, light soils rich in stones and a mix of clay, loam, and ancient river deposits; this gives the wines their characteristic tension and mineral undertones. The vines are planted closely together, and many plots are dry-farmed, keeping yields low and developing concentrated and aromatic grapes. The continental climate, with hot summers, cool nights, and harsh winters, ensures long ripening, a firm structure, and a combination of ripe fruit and fresh acidity so typical of top wines from Ribera del Duero.

Vinification and maturation

The harvest for Montecastro Ribera 2022 is carried out entirely by hand, with the grapes placed in small crates to ensure they arrive intact and cool to the cellar. Approximately 95% of the bunches are destemmed, and 5% remain whole; this combination produces both pure fruit and a touch of tension and freshness. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled concrete vats, with a maceration period of around 20 days and a yield of approximately 35 hectoliters per hectare, which contributes to the concentration and refined tannin structure. After fermentation, the wine is first aged for approximately 3 months in concrete, after which it is aged for a further 16 months in Allier oak, with a relatively modest proportion of new wood, around 20%, so that the wood blends perfectly with the fruit and minerality. The final wine has an alcohol content of approximately 14.5% and is deliberately vinified to avoid warmth or overripeness, but rather balance and freshness.

Grape composition

Tinto Fino – vineyards around Castrillo de Duero
Tinto Fino is the local name for Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero and, at 95%, forms the heart of the blend, providing intense aromas of red and black fruit, structure, and a potent yet elegant character.

Cabernet Sauvignon – higher-lying plots of Montecastro
Around 5% Cabernet Sauvignon complements the Tinto Fino with extra backbone, spice and a hint of cassis, enhancing the length and aging potential of Montecastro Ribera 2022 without dominating the wine's style.

Tasting notes and serving suggestions

Montecastro Ribera 2022 boasts a deep, bright cherry-red color with purple hues. The nose offers concentrated notes of ripe plums, blackberries, and cherries, complemented by hints of dried herbs, forest floor, and a subtle creamy oak note, all beautifully interwoven with a mineral accent. On the palate, the wine is powerful and full-bodied, with ripe red and black fruit, spices, and refined oak notes. The tannins are ripe and silky, the acidity creates tension, and the overall effect remains remarkably fresh and harmonious, with a long, lively finish. Serve Montecastro Ribera 2022 preferably between 15 and 18°C ​​and allow it to open in a decanter. At the table, it is at home with grilled or roasted red meat, game or venison stews, lamb dishes, and aged hard cheeses; its combination of power and finesse also excels with Iberian ham and hearty regional cuisines.

Awards

• 2022 – 93 p (Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate)
• 2022 – 94 p (Guía Peñín)
• 2022 – 92 p (Tim Atkin)