Matsu “El Viejo” 2023 hails from the renowned Toro appellation within Castile and León, a region celebrated for intensely flavoured red wines. The wine’s deep, inky hue and generous structure are characteristic hallmarks of the zone. While the precise blend is not confirmed, most Toro reds are dominantly made from Tempranillo, locally known as Tinta de Toro, typically yielding wines that are both powerful and velvety. The vinification of a cuvée like El Viejo often involves a careful selection of old-vine grapes, with potential ageing in French oak to reinforce its complexity, although specifics are not detailed for this vintage. Expect a bold palate, with rich black fruit, undertones of spice, perhaps cocoa or cedar, and a persistent finish that hints at further depth as the wine matures.
The Toro region, nestled along the banks of the Duero River, benefits from a distinctly continental climate—hot, dry summers contrast with cold winters, fostering berries of great concentration and tannic backbone. The soils here are typically sandy and alluvial with gravelly subsoils, providing excellent drainage and encouraging deep root growth. Historically, Toro is one of Spain’s oldest wine regions, its winemaking traditions dating back to Roman times, and today enjoying a resurgence for its robust, age-worthy reds.
This style of wine shines alongside hearty dishes. Traditional local cuisine, such as roast suckling lamb or Castilla y León stews, complement its ample body and structure. It would also pair superbly with grilled beef, aged Manchego cheese, or wild mushroom risotto—dishes that can stand alongside its deep flavour and refined tannins.
For optimal enjoyment, decant El Viejo 2023 at least one hour before serving. The ideal tasting temperature is between 16 and 18°C to highlight both its ripe fruit profile and its nuanced, spicy undertones. This is a wine that will reward patience, promising further evolution over the next several years.
