Wines Ribera del Duero Bodegas Asenjo & Manso - 2010

Bodegas Asenjo & Manso 2010 from the Ribera del Duero DO is an expressive and structured red wine, crafted predominantly from Tempranillo, the flagship grape of this renowned Spanish appellation. The 2010 vintage is widely acknowledged as a standout year, marked by optimal weather conditions that benefited grape ripening and balance. Carefully harvested from old, low-yielding vines, the grapes are vinified with a focus on preserving both fruit intensity and terroir character. Extended ageing, often in a blend of French and American oak barrels, imparts complexity, silky tannins, and layers of spice, vanilla, and toast, while allowing the wine’s deep berry notes, such as blackberry and black cherry, to remain prominent. The palate is full-bodied, with a harmonious structure, subtle minerality, and a lingering finish, making this wine ideally suited for extended cellaring.

The Ribera del Duero region, nestled along the banks of the Duero river in Castilla y León, stands as one of Spain’s most prestigious wine territories. Its high-altitude vineyards—often 700 to 900 metres above sea level—benefit from extreme diurnal temperature variations, promoting vibrant acidity and phenolic development in the grapes. The soils combine clay, limestone, and sand, imparting a subtle minerality and firmer tannic structure to the wines. Ribera del Duero’s winemaking tradition dates back centuries, and since the 1980s, the region’s reputation has soared, now challenging Rioja for Spain’s viticultural crown.

This robust Ribera del Duero pairs beautifully with richly flavoured dishes. Slow-cooked lamb shoulder, Spanish suckling pig, or charred beef ribeye all make compelling partners, as do regional cheeses such as Manchego curado. Classic Castilian stews, including those with chorizo or morcilla (blood sausage), will echo the wine’s spicy undertones.

For the best experience, decant this wine for at least an hour before serving, allowing the aromas to blossom and the tannins to soften. Serve at a temperature between 16 and 18°C to reveal its depth, elegance, and signature Ribera del Duero character.