Gran Callejo, Gran Reserva 2018 1500ml Magnum

A Gran Reserva that shows its years without losing tension. Dried cherry and plum sit alongside leather and tobacco, underpinned by a streak of acidity that gives the wine contour. In the Magnum, development in the cellar proceeds even more slowly and evenly.

Sotillo de la Ribera lies at the northern edge of the Duero valley. The family's 55 hectares are spread across 27 parcels between 830 and 930 metres of altitude. On the páramos, the barren high plateaus, bare limestone comes to the surface; further down the valley follow pebbles from old riverbeds, sandy zones near the pine forests and heavy clay soils. Temperature swings between day and night often exceed 20 degrees, keeping the Tinto Fino's acidity alive.

Pure Tempranillo, called Tinto Fino in the Ribera del Duero. Bodegas Félix Callejo has farmed organically since 2000, with cover crops between the rows that limit yield, and with spontaneous fermentation from the vineyard's own yeasts. Harvest begins early, which gives the fruit bite and the wine tension. José Félix Callejo, named «Winemaker of the Year» by Tim Atkin in 2021, runs the cellar together with his sister Noelia.

Dry, dense and silky, with fine-grained tannins. Dark berries and toasted notes carry far, the finish stays spicy and long.

Magnum of 1500 ml, bottled by Bodegas Félix Callejo in Sotillo de la Ribera. The estate is run by four siblings: José Félix and Noelia in the cellar, Cristina and Beatriz in sales.