Gran Callejo Gran Reserva 2019

The Gran Callejo Gran Reserva 2019 is a single-varietal Tinto Fino from the high-altitude sites of DO Ribera del Duero, retaining the freshness of its origin even after five years of ageing. Dark cherry and blackberry sit alongside cedarwood, tobacco and dried herbs, carried by an acidity that keeps the wine upright.

The grapes grow at 900 metres above sea level on the plateau overlooking the Duero valley, near Sotillo de la Ribera at the valley's northern edge. On these páramos, bare limestone breaks through the surface, and the temperature swings between day and night often exceed 20 degrees. These plots were once considered frost-prone, and the grapes didn't always ripen fully. Today, these cool high-altitude sites rank among the region's finest and most sought-after, since they offset the intense daytime sun and yield fresher, more taut musts.

Tinto Fino, the local variant of Tempranillo, one hundred percent. Fermentation happens spontaneously with the vineyard's own yeasts, and harvest comes earlier than usual, lending the fruit bite and keeping the wine's alcohol more moderate. This is followed by two years in French barriques and three years in bottle. These five years of ageing earn it the Gran Reserva classification.

Concentrated yet agile. The tannins are fine-grained and ripe, the acidity carries through to a long, spicy finish where liquorice and leather linger. The 14.5% ABV never pushes to the front.

Bodegas Félix Callejo in Sotillo de la Ribera is run by four siblings: José Félix and Noelia in the cellar, Cristina and Beatriz in distribution. The estate's 55 hectares lie between 830 and 930 metres. The winery has farmed organically since 2000, with cover crops between the vine rows. José Félix Callejo was named "Winemaker of the Year" by Tim Atkin in 2021.