Teso La Monja Toro - Almirez 2021

The Eguren family of Teso la Monja are one of D.O. Toro's most important pioneers, having cofounded Bodega Numanthia-Termes with Jorge Ordóñez in 1997. Numanthia was the first exhaustive fine wine project to resuscitate Toro since before phylloxera. Toro is one of Spain's most historic winemaking regions. Tempranillo originated in the Duero Valley, and many ampelographers believe that it originated in Toro, where it is known as Tinta de Toro. These ancient clones of Tempranillo were responsible for Toro being celebrated as Spain's finest winemaking region during the Middle Ages. Toro was also Spain's only region to completely resist phylloxera due to its sandy soils. Teso la Monja is the Eguren family's new interpretation of Toro, where they sought to produce a more refined and restrained expression of Toro by focusing on northern facing vineyard sites planted on clay soils covered in canto rodado.Practicing organic dry farmed viticulture with certain selective biodynamic practices. Almirez is sourced exclusively from estate vineyards trained primarily as head-trained goblet vines. Some of the younger sites are planted on high density trellises.

Practicing organic dry farmed viticulture with certain selective biodynamic practices. Almirez is sourced exclusively from estate vineyards trained primarily as head-trained goblet vines. Some of the younger sites are planted on high density trellises.

14 months in French barrique, 30% new, 70% second use.

"The 2021 Almirez, sourced from La Jara, Villabuena del Puente and Valdefinjas vineyards in Toro, was aged up to 14 months in oak barrels. Garnet in hue. Its ripe aromas feature plums, dried flowers, undergrowth, licorice and garrigue against a cedar backdrop. Dry and rich on the palate, the mild and balanced flow leads to a lasting, juicy, cherry-like finish. The 2021 is a nuanced Toro wine. Drink: 2023-2035.” - 95 Points, Vinous

"Colour: bright cherry. Nose: neat, characterful, black fruit, ripe fruit, hint of anise, dry stone. Palate: spicy, long, round tannins, fine bitter notes, fleshy.” - 94 Points, Peñin Guide to Spanish Wine

Producer: Teso La Monja

Country: Spain

Region: Castilla y León

Varietal: Tempranillo

Appellation: Toro

Vintage: 2021

Size: 750ml