2019 Finca Villacreces ‘Nebro’, Ribera del Duero – buy online

WHO?

Located in the heart of Ribera del Duero, this estate is part of the “golden mile,” alongside neighboring Vega Sicilia, Pingus to the west, and other similarly renowned estates. Situated in Quintanilla de Onésimo, this impressive estate was purchased by the Antón family from Izadi in 2003. The resulting wines, crafted by enologist Ángel Ortega along with Luis Laso, are deep, dark, and focused in style.

WHERE?

The vineyards are situated on a mix of sandy, gravelly, stony, and quartz soils. Each type of soil contributes different fruit flavors and very low yields of only about three tons per hectare. The vineyards are planted with approximately 86% Tempranillo (mostly on sandy vineyards, which provide an appealing meatiness to the wines), 4% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (mostly on quartz and gravelly soils, adding more mineral complexity). Organic practices are used as much as possible, and the proximity to the river helps protect against frost. The vineyards are located at an altitude of 710 meters and planted at a density of 2,200 vines per hectare.

WHY?

The grapes are hand-harvested and hand-sorted in 15 kg boxes. The grapes are destemmed and whole-cluster fermented in concrete tanks—a notable change in the vinification of the 2019 vintage as it was entirely fermented in concrete tanks. The wine opens with aromas of mocha, coffee, sweet spice, and wild blackberry. On the palate, it is full of layers of spicy black fruit, with length and well-hidden tannins. It has a soft, toasted flavor.