Esteban Celemín - Melquiades Tempranillo - Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León - 2021

A Heartfelt Homage: The Power and Grace of Tinta de Toro Melquiades is a joyful and emotional tribute to Esteban Celemín’s grandfather, representing a generation defined by effort and compromise. This 100% Tempranillo (locally known as Tinta de Toro) is a "tinto de raza"—a wine of character that reflects the synergy of six distinct old-vine parcels. The 2021 vintage was particularly special, as a rainy spring provided deep water reserves, followed by a cool summer and a dry, sunny September that allowed for a late harvest with full ripeness and exceptional freshness.

Tasting Profile

• Aroma: The wine shows the classic exuberance of Tinta de Toro, dominated by red fruit and rich spiciness.
• Palate: It is a savory and exuberant wine that maintains great drinkability and complex flavors.
• Texture: Expect long, silky tannins and a soft mouthfeel provided by the sandy soil plots in the blend.
• Finish: A clean, persistent finish that balances power with minerality.

Viticulture & Craftsmanship

• Terroir: Grapes are sourced from heritage vineyards (65+ years old) across six villages, including Morales de Toro, Valdefinjas, and El Pego. The blend incorporates clay, sand, and stony soil profiles.
• Vinification: The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with natural indigenous yeasts in open vats. Each plot is elaborated separately with long, static macerations to ensure a soft texture.
• Aging: The wine is matured for 12 months in 225L French oak barrels. The final coupage is completed just before bottling without fining and with very light filtration.

Specifications

• Variety: 100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo).
• Alcohol: 15.5%.
• Production: Limited to 5,300 bottles.
• Elevation: Sourced from vineyards situated between 680m and 720m.