Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Wine & Spirits
This is a stylish and sophisticated wine in a nostalgic style, slightly orange and oxidative in flavor, not to mention lighter in body than Riberas currently in fashion. And yet it feels fresh, with a vivaciousness that lasts beyond all the dried fruit, coffee and cherry flavor, an accomplishment entirely in tune with the style of the wines of Pérez Pascuas.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2010 El Pedrosal is pure Tinta Fino from the youngest vines (7- to 15-years old) and is aged for 12 months, six months in American and six months in French barrels. It has an attractive bouquet with bright red fruit: maraschino and fresh strawberry infused by a touch of orange sorbet. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. There is a touch of dark chocolate interwoven through the fleshy red berry fruit, leading to a harmonious finish where the American oak leaves a touch of mocha on the finish. This is a well-crafted, enjoyable Ribera del Duero wine.
Notoriously food-friendly, long-lasting and Spain’s most widely planted grape, Tempranillo is the star variety of red wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. The Rioja terms Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva indicate both barrel and bottle time before release. Traditionally blended in Rioja with Garnacha, plus a bit of Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano, the Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero typically stands alone. Somm Secret—Tempranillo claims many different names depending on location. In Penedès, it is called Ull de Llebre and in Valdepeñas, goes by Cencibel. Known as Tinta Roriz in Portugal, Tempranillo plays an important role in Port wine.
Ribera del Duero, Spanish wine region, is located in northen Spain’s Castilla y León region, just a 2-hour drive from Madrid. While winemaking in this area goes back more than 2000 years, it was in the 1980s that 9 wineries applied for and were granted Denominación de Origen (D.O.) status. Today, more than 300 wineries call Ribera del Duero home, including some of Spain’s most iconic names.
Notable Facts Ribera’s main grape variety, Tempranillo, locally know as Tinto Fino, is perfectly suited to the extreme climate of the region, where it must survive scorching summers and frigid winters. Low yields resulting from conscientious tending to old vines planted in Ribera’s diverse soils types, give Ribera wines a distinctive depth and complexity not found in other Tempranillos. Rich and full-bodied, the spice, dark fruit and smoky flavors in a bold Ribera del Duero will pair well with roasted and grilled meats, Mexican food and tomato-based sauces.