Felix Callejo 2016

A taut, lively Tinto Fino, as Tempranillo is known on the Castilian high plateau. Despite 14.5% Vol., the wine stays fresh: vibrant acidity carries the dark fruit, the tannin remains fine, the finish long. Contour and tension rather than sheer power.

The grapes grow near Sotillo de la Ribera on the northern edge of the Duero valley, spread across 27 parcels between 830 and 930 metres. Up on the páramos, the barren high plateaus, bare limestone breaks through the surface. Further down in the valley, gravelly soils from old riverbeds alternate with sandy areas near the pine forests and heavy clay soils. Temperature swings between day and night, often exceeding 20 degrees, keep the acidity vibrant.

Single-varietal Tempranillo. The estate has farmed organically since 2000: cover crops sown between the vine rows limit yields, and fermentation happens spontaneously with the vineyard's own native yeasts. The grapes are harvested early, which brings crisp fruit, taut tension and more moderate alcohol.

Dense dark red with violet reflections. On the nose, black cherry and ripe dark berries, alongside fine spice, underscored by roasted and toasted-wood notes and a chalky coolness. On the palate, juicy and powerful, with silky tannin, lively acidity and a structured, long finish.

Félix and Pilar Callejo founded the winery in 1989; today their four children run it: José Félix and Noelia in the cellar, Cristina and Beatriz in sales. All 55 hectares of vineyard lie at altitude. Noelia Callejo sums up the estate's philosophy as terroir and precision rather than oak and the status quo.