Áster El Espino

The mild weather led to an early bud break. The start of the summer was cool and wet, regulating vine yields and reducing production. By October, the cold and dry conditions, with significant day-night temperature variations, helped the grapes to ripen slowly and steadily, and the vintage was officially classified as excellent.

Our 87 hectares of Tinta del País form a patchwork of plots, slopes, aspects and soils, all contributing to the complexity and diversity of the wines. El Espino is a selection of plots from Finca Áster that seeks to combine punch and elegance, power and finesse, terroir and distinction

The harvest began on 3 October. Grapes were loaded into 20 kg boxes and placed in optical sorting tables. Cold maceration helped to heighten the varietal aromas and bright colours. After blending fruit from three plots -El Espino, Fuentecojo and El Picón-, 50% of the grapes underwent malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks and 50% in second-use French oak barrels. The wine was later aged in French oak barrels, 20% of them new, for 12 months, with two manual rackings. After four months in tanks, it was bottled in September 2022.

Medium-deep ruby colour with clean dark red rim. The nose reveals expressive black fruit laced with hints of blueberry, blackberry, red plum, liquorice, cardamom and mineral nuances along with subtle traces of ageing: coffee beans, toffee and bonbon box. The palate is deep and balanced, with remarkable freshness and elegance. It displays a persistent fruity aftertaste. An ample and succulent wine, which is an outstanding example of contemporary Ribera del Duero, at the optimum moment to enjoy it.

Recommended to enjoy by the glass, as an aperitif or to be served with pasta, rice dishes, sushi, light meats and fish.