Sarah Jane Evans MW’s top five Ribera del Duero
Sarah Jane Evans MW chaired the final masterclass of the day, "The evolution of Ribera del Duero", at Decanter's Spain and Portugal Encounter on 27th February. Here are her top five wines from the class.
Ribera del Duero D.O. is famous for its Tinto Fino, also known as Tempranillo, wines. Those who attended ‘The evolution of Ribera del Duero‘ masterclass at last Saturday’s Spain and Portugal Fine Wine Encounter were treated to a stellar selection of wines.
Sarah Jane Evans MW chaired the class and has chosen her top five wines from the session, ranging from a 20-year-old Reserva from Alejandro Fernández to a more recent 2005 Aalto PS.
All five wines are 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), and show different expressions of terroir in Ribera del Duero, as well as the changing trends in wine-making over the last two decades.
Sarah Jane Evans MW is the DWWA Regional co-Chair for Spain and Portugal.
Alejandro Fernandez, Pesquera Millennium Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Léon, Spain, 1996
Densely concentrated, bold and spicy, an inky palate with notes of bright citrus, developing mineral notes and a rasp of tannin, distinctly Pesquera. Very long...
1996
Alejandro FernandezRibera del Duero
Viña Pedrosa, Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Léon, Spain, 1999
90
Made for the 25th anniversary of the family winery. Midweight, a juicy expression of Tinto Fino with bright redcurrant fruit, dried herbs and a fresh tang of orange. 26 months in new oak, 50% French, 50% American, but the oak is well integrated.
1999
Viña PedrosaRibera del Duero
Emilio Moro, Malleolus de Valderramiro, Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Léon, Spain, 2003
93
One of two 90 year old vineyards belonging to Emilio Moro - the other is Sanchomartin and it’s interesting to taste them side by side. On this occasion the Valderramiro (on clay) scored one point higher than the Sanchomartin (on chalk). A memorably extreme year, but this wine shows ringingly bright acidity, and the dense concentration of old vines. The oak is still apparent (José Moro says he chose to do malolactic fermentation in American oak and ageing in French oak) but it is refined and balances the dense fruit well.
2003
Emilio MoroRibera del Duero
Pago de los Capellanes, Parcela El Picon, Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Léon, Spain, 1999
95
One of two single vineyards at Pago de los Capellanes, triangular in shape and representing the peak or summit of their wines. Exceptionally bright and lively for a 1999. Characteristically round and generous fruit, balanced by oak. The oak is apparent but elegant.
1999
Pago de los CapellanesRibera del Duero
Aalto, PS, Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Léon, Spain, 2005
97
PS means Pagos Seleccionadas, selected single vineyards, and this is a terrific expression of the best of Tinto Fino from Aalto’s portfolio of vineyard sites. The palate is alive with velvety black fruits, with a clean, mineral edge and wrapped in cedar and smoke to add a degree of richness and texture. Very finely balanced now but a wine that is made for the long haul.
2005
AaltoRibera del Duero
