Vinas del Cenit Rojo Field Blend Tradicion

Viñas del Cenit is situated in Villanueva de Campeán on the left bank of the Duero, which flows through Ribera del Duero, Rueda and Toro before reaching this area (Tierra del Vino de Zamora) - and then entering neighbouring Portugal.

Bodegas Viñas del Cenit produces old-vine Tempranillo. With some of the vines 180 years old, and the youngest 35 years old, they are low-yielding, un-trained and many are un-grafted.

As you would expect from such ancient vines, the fruit is concentrated and intense, producing wines with complexity, longevity and pureness of fruit.

Tempranillo, Doña Blanca, Garnacha

This is produced from the red grapes Tempranillo, Garnacha and Garnacha Tintorera, alongside white varieties Doña Blanca, Godello and Palomino. The vines are 80-100 years old, planted in clay soils at 800 metres altitude.

65% Tempranillo, 30% Doña Blanca, 5% Garnacha.

All the grapes from the old vineyard, both red and white, are harvested together. The whole bunches are pressed without destemming then trodden for five days until spontaneous fermentation takes place. The wine spends 6 months in used French oak barrels.

Though very much a pale red in colour, this is officially labeled as Clarete. Produced mainly from Tempranillo, but with the addition of both white and red varieties as is traditional for field blends. This is a very fine and precise style of red.

Pale brick red in colour. Complex aromas of bramble and redcurrant fruit with a lightly herbal note. The palate is bright and fresh with raspberry and red cherry, vibrant acidity and supple tannins. A wonderfully delicate, elegant style but with plenty of character and a long finish.

Drink with a nice juicy shoulder of lamb!

Max - Hailing from the D.O. Tierra del Vino de Zamora (translates to Land of Wine) which sits on the western end of the Duero river, just before it crosses into Portugal. Both wines are Field Blends (a viticulture term that I won’t delve into here, but it is cool, so feel free to ask about it). The Tradicíon is labelled as a Clarete and consists both red and white grapes from old vines. Constiesas undergoes reductive wine making processes that add a slight smokiness, long length and concentrated flavours.