Wines Ribera del Duero Bodegas Penalba Lopez - Torre Albeniz Reserva DO (Bio) - 2014

Bodegas Penalba Lopez presents its 2014 Torre Albeniz Reserva, a certified organic red cuvée emblematic of the Ribera del Duero DO in Castille and León, Spain. Crafted primarily from Tempranillo—locally known as Tinta del País—and potentially complemented by traces of other indigenous varieties, this reserva is the result of meticulous vineyard care and a patient maturation process, often exceeding eighteen months in French and American oak. The 2014 vintage yields a complex and well-structured wine, blending ripe black fruit – plum, blackberry, black cherry – with elegant touches of liquorice, tobacco and sweet spice from its barrel ageing, all underlined by a core of fresh acidity and persistent, silky tannins.

Ribera del Duero is one of Spain's most esteemed wine-producing regions, stretching along the Duero river at elevations often above 800 metres. This combination of altitude, a continental climate—marked by scorching summer days, chilly nights, and harsh winters—and chalky limestone soils grants the region's wines a rare balance between richness and finesse. With a viticultural heritage dating back over a millennium, Ribera del Duero has gained worldwide popularity thanks to its profound, ageworthy reds that rival even Rioja in prestige and character.

This Torre Albeniz Reserva is ideally matched with hearty Castilian fare. Think slow-roasted lamb (lechazo asado), suckling pig, or rich game dishes such as venison stew. Aged Manchego cheese or wild mushroom ragout would also make excellent partners, the wine’s depth and structure elevating the earthy flavours. Alternatively, the wine’s balance and subtlety permit pairings with Mediterranean grilled vegetables, or classic Spanish dishes such as pisto or morcilla.

For fullest enjoyment, decant the wine at least an hour prior to serving, allowing its bouquet to unfurl. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C. This will showcase the wine’s aromatic complexity and supple texture, ensuring a memorable tasting moment.