Bodegas Protos, Ribera del Duero, Crianza, 2021

Hailing from Peñafiel, deep within the D.O. Ribera del Duero, this acclaimed red is a creation of Protos, one of Spain's most respected wineries, expertly guided by the famous oenologist Pascal Chatonnet. While both names are highly recognised, we guarantee their reputation for excellence precedes them. Since its founding in 1927, the company has consistently set and maintained quality standards that few can match across its entire portfolio. The grapes for the Protos Crianza come from specially selected old vines, aged over 30 years, rooted in barren, sandy loam soils that are poor in organic matter. Located southeast of Castilla y León, the regional climate is marked by intensely dry, hot summers and prolonged, frigid winters, featuring regular frosts and dramatic shifts in day-to-night temperatures. These significant thermal fluctuations are crucial, optimizing grape ripening and boosting the concentration of anthocyanins - the essential polyphenols that define the berries' colour.