Vatan Tinta de Toro 2016

Ideally drink now through 2030. Decant for one hour prior to drinking.
Hailing from DO Toro, this wine is made from an ancient clone of Tempranillo called Tinta De Toro, from vines that were planted between 1910 and 1943. Extremely low yields from these old vines produce a big, structured, and powerful red wine. Deep ruby in color, this wine displays aromas of red fruit and spiced cake, with a light floral note. The palate is deep and dark, with blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate flavors providing a core, and cinnamon accents rounding out the slightly spicy finish. Firm tannins and a slightly bitter orange peel note will resolve themselves with some time spent in the cellar or a decant prior to drinking.

A modern styled red wine, this Tempranillo is rich and bold, and should be matched with equally rich and bold foods. Pair with braised or barbecued red meats, game dishes like wild boar stew, or even luscious dark chocolate desserts.

Bodegas Ordonez’ holdings in the Toro region consist of two vineyards of the Tinta De Toro grape. The Vatan plot that this wine is made from is planted on sandy soils with red clay subsoil. The sandy soils and intense dry heat of this region prevented phylloxera from touching many of these vines, and as a result many of the vines are ungrafted, and extraordinarily old. The Vatan is fermented in stainless steel tanks, and aged in new French oak barrels for 22 months before being bottled.