Telmo Rodríguez, Matallana, D.O. Ribera del Duero, red wine, 0.75l

Telmo Rodríquez is a Spanish winery founded in 1994. Around the world it has a reputation as a pioneer supporting Spanish winemaking, a travelling oenologist and a "driving wine-maker". It earned this reputation above all by travelling to individual regions to make wines from a single harvest using only the region's native varieties. It also devotes special care to restoring forgotten vineyards. The Telmo Rodríquez brand reflects an immense love of wine and fine winemaking craft.

Telmo Rodríguez Matallana is one of the most striking red wines from the Ribera del Duero, Castilla y León region of Spain, created as an ambitious project by winemaker Telmo Rodríguez to capture the true spirit of this prestigious region. Matallana is not a single-vineyard wine but a carefully composed cuvée from grapes grown across 11 separate vineyards totalling 21.5 ha, scattered across 5 different villages (Sotillo de la Ribera, Roa, Fuentecén, Fuentemolinos and Pardilla). Each plot contributes its own unique combination of soils, from clay through red feldspar to conglomerate and sandstone terraces, giving the resulting wine complexity, layered minerality and the typical character of Ribera del Duero terroir.

96 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. Highlighted its serious character, calcite mineral tannins and long finish.
95 points - Decanter. Describes it as the best Matallana yet, with delicate aromatics and well-integrated structure.
95 points - James Suckling. Praises its elegance, complexity and fine tannins, with the potential to age for several more years.

Grape variety: The base is mainly Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) complemented by traditional native varieties such as Navarro, Valenciano and Albillo, which together create a rich, deep and structurally firm profile.

Production: Vinification takes place through spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in oak vats and tanks, followed by ageing for approximately 14–15 months in French oak barrique barrels, achieving a harmonious blend of fruitiness, structure and gently integrated oak.

Taste and aroma: Matallana is characterised by an intense and concentrated aroma of ripe red and dark fruit, such as plums, cherries and blackberries, intertwined with spicy, herbal and mineral notes, which give the wine depth and a complex profile. On the palate the wine is medium to full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins, lively acidity and a long, harmonious finish that leaves an impression of balance and sophistication.

Food pairing: This Ribera del Duero is an excellent choice for those seeking a complex, terroir-driven yet balanced wine. Ideal both for food pairing and for gradual tasting over the years. It goes well with roasted and grilled red meat, lamb, game, herb-braised dishes and mature cheeses, where its structure and fruit depth truly shine.

Alcohol content: 14.5%
Origin: Spain, D.O. Ribera del Duero.