Felix Callejo Reserva de la Familia 2015

A Reserva that holds fullness and tension together: 14.5% Vol. here stands not for power but for ripeness, carried by an acidity that keeps the wine upright. The finish is long and stays fresh.

The 55 hectares of Bodegas Félix Callejo are spread across 27 parcels along the hills of Sotillo de la Ribera, on the northern edge of the Duero valley. On the páramos, the barren plateaus at 930 metres, bare limestone breaks the surface. Further down, gravel soils from old riverbeds alternate with sandy zones near the pine forests and heavier clay soils. Temperature swings of often more than 20 degrees between day and night preserve the Tinto Fino's pronounced acidity.

Pure Tempranillo, known locally as Tinto Fino. The estate has farmed organically since 2000: cover crops sown between the rows limit yield, and fermentation happens spontaneously with the vineyard's own yeasts. Harvest takes place earlier than is typical elsewhere, for the sake of crisper fruit and more moderate alcohol.

Dense, juicy dark cherry and plum, alongside tobacco, juniper and fine cedarwood. The tannin is ripe and firm, the acidity taut. On the finish, cocoa, liquorice and a hint of mint emerge, without ever masking the fruit.

With herb-crusted rack of lamb, spiced game goulash or mature Manchego.

Félix and Pilar Callejo founded the estate in 1989. Today four siblings run the house: José Félix and Noelia in the cellar, Cristina and Beatriz in sales. Tim Atkin named the house winemaker "Winemaker of the Year" in 2021.