Tempranillo 'Arenisca' Isaac Cantalapiedra 2020

Isaac Cantalapiedra Tempranillo 'Arenisca' constitutes a structured and full-bodied red wine, yet one that does not skimp on pleasantness and balance. Isaac and Manuel Cantalapiedra, father and son winemakers from La Seca, own vineyards in Toro, a viticultural area west of the Rueda area, where the bodega of the two is located. There, the family grows Tinta de Toro, a clone of Tempranillo, but because they vinify outside the area stipulated by the regulations, they are forced to bottle without the Toro DO. Their interpretation of this famous Spanish red grape variety is certainly fresher and more dynamic than traditional Toro, overshadowing the important alcohol content. The Spanish word "arenisca," which gives the bottle its name, means "sandstone."

Tinto de Toro 'Arenisca' Isaac Cantalapiedra is made from only Tempranillo grapes grown organically certified, using biodynamic practices, on clay and limestone matrix soils. Following harvest, almost all of the grapes are destemmed and placed to ferment in stainless steel tanks, with the remaining being mulled with the stems in open wooden vats. Both fermentation processes are conducted by indigenous yeasts with 30 days of maceration on the skins, followed by 11 months of aging in used French oak barrels.

Isaac Cantalapiedra's Castilian Tempranillo 'Arenisca' reveals a cherry red color. The nose shows fruity hints of blackberry, plum and blueberry, flanked by pleasant smoky hints. Fresh and balanced on the palate, with energetic character, fine tannins and an enveloping structure. By virtue of its excellent concentration, which, however, does not affect smoothness, this Tempranillo can accompany a wide range of tasty dishes.