Finca Torremilanos, El Porron de Lara 2024

100% Tempranillo

Castilla y Leon, Spain

A selection of grapes from different plots within the Torremilanos Estate, including Hoyo Verde, Canal, Corral, Valdecañal Martínez, Acacias, Adrián, and Valdecañal. All these vineyards are located in the eastern part of the estate, closer to Aranda de Duero. The vines are trained in both bush vine and trellis systems, and have varying soil types. Some of the plots used here were only partially harvested for this wine. Altitude: 800-900 meters.

This wine comes from two harvests at two different stages of ripeness. The first grapes are harvested in early September, aiming for the freshness of that harvest period. Maceration for this first batch does not exceed five days. The second batch is harvested in early October, seeking greater ripeness and higher alcohol content, sacrificing some freshness. Maceration for this second batch lasts eight days. Both wines undergo separate malolactic fermentation before being blended from February onwards in old barrels and small concrete tanks. Together, they undergo a final aging of 11 months before bottling. Bottled without fining, filtration. NO ADDED SULFUR, VEGAN.

Bright, high-toned aromas of mountain herbs and flowers lead to a juicy, saliva-inducing palate with waves of crunchy strawberry and raspberry fruit. Pleasantly structured but still light enough for a chill.

Founded in 1903, the 200-hectare Finca Torremilanos in Aranda de Duero is the second-oldest wine-producing estate in what is now Ribera del Duero DO (after Vega Sicilia). The current regime dates to the late 70s and was instrumental in the establishment of the DO in 1982. Pilar Pérez Albéniz, one of the most respected women in the region and winner of the inaugural ‘Ribera Heritage’ Award in 2019, is still at the helm, with two of her sons, Ricardo and Vicente, handling winemaking and sales respectively. The first-ever Demeter-certified biodynamic winery in the appellation, as of 2015. A family-run gem that marches to the beat of its own drummer in producing both traditionally-styled and experimental wines.