2021 Pago de los Capellanes - Reserva (750ml)

Pago de los Capellanes is a relatively young winery, founded in 1996 when Paco Rodero and his wife, Conchita Villa, revived a family vineyard near Pedrosa del Duero that had belonged to Paco's father, Doroteo. Since then they have steadily expanded the estate by acquiring neighboring parcels, building a reputation in Ribera del Duero for wines that favor finesse and terroir expression over sheer power.

This Reserva is built entirely from Tempranillo grown on vines over eighty years old, planted in the estate's poor, clay-calcareous soils around Pedrosa del Duero. The grapes undergo a cold pre-fermentation maceration lasting about six days before fermenting and developing structure. The wine then ages fourteen months in new, medium-toasted French oak barriques, followed by close to two more years resting in bottle before release, allowing its tannins to soften and integrate fully.

The wine shows elegant aromas of ripe cherry, cassis, and plum, layered with vanilla, spice, and a touch of licorice. On the palate it is concentrated yet balanced, with ripe tannins and lively acidity carrying into a long, spicy finish. Pair it with braised oxtail, grilled lamb chops, or a firm aged cheese.